Workers of Vizsla Silver Corp. faced a challenging work environment in Mexico, as reported by the brother of a geologist with the Canadian mining company who was part of a group of individuals kidnapped by a suspected Sinaloa cartel faction. The brother, Jaime Castañeda, revealed that gun battles erupted near the company’s exploration sites in the rugged terrain of Sinaloa. He mentioned that his brother and colleagues heard gunfire at night while staying in a supposedly secure residential compound in Concordia, east of Mazatlán.
One of the kidnapped workers, identified as José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, was among the group taken on January 23 in Concordia. The Mexican Attorney General’s Office confirmed the identification of five bodies of the kidnapped men, all employed by Vizsla Silver. The company, based in Vancouver, has been active in Sinaloa since approximately 2019.
The violent incident occurred amid escalating turmoil in Sinaloa due to an internal conflict within the Sinaloa cartel, a prominent drug trafficking organization. The dispute involves rival factions, with Los Chapitos, supporting the sons of imprisoned leader Joaquín (El Chapo) Guzmán, engaged in conflict with La Mayiza, loyal to the son of Ismael (El Mayo) Zambada. Authorities suspect Los Chapitos of orchestrating the kidnapping.
Vizsla Silver emphasized its commitment to safety and support for affected families in a recent statement. The company is engaged in the Panuco silver and gold exploration project near Concordia, with on-site operations temporarily halted following the incident. Mexican authorities are investigating potential motives behind the abduction, including the involvement of different cartel factions.
Security experts suggest complex dynamics at play in the region, speculating on possible connections between Vizsla Silver and criminal elements. Despite conflicting theories regarding the kidnapping, concerns over safety persist in the area where the mining company operates. The company maintains compliance with legal standards and condemns any unlawful activities.
Family members of the victims, including the mother of a missing individual, express anguish and frustration over the lack of progress in the search for their loved ones. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by the violent events in Sinaloa.