In 2011, around $3 Billion in gold that was illegally mined in Peru was exported out of the country. International monitors estimate that over 20 percent of gold mining activities in the country is done illegally. In the region of Madre de Dios, up to 97 percent of the mining is done by unauthorized miners.… Continue reading Value of Illegal Gold Mining in Peru
Tag: Metals and Minerals Smuggling
Information and data on the illegal smuggling of diamonds and minerals. Often referred to as blood diamonds, Havocscope collects statistics and news regarding this black market trade.
Jade Smuggling in Myanmar
According to government statistics, over 43 million kilograms of jade was produced in Myanmar during the fiscal 2011 to 2012 year. Based on a conservative estimate by Reuters, the jade would have been worth $4.3 Billion. Less than 1 percent, or $34 Million worth of jade was officially reported to have been exported out of… Continue reading Jade Smuggling in Myanmar
Smuggled Gold Seized in Nepal in First Six Months of 2013
In the first six months of 2013, police in Nepal seized 69 kilograms of gold. Most of the gold was smuggled into the country from Tibet, with the final destination of India. In all of 2012, police seized 18 kilograms of gold in Nepal. Security agencies believe that only 10 percent of the gold smuggled… Continue reading Smuggled Gold Seized in Nepal in First Six Months of 2013
Illegal Mining of Tungsten in Colombia
Between 2010 and August 2013, police in Colombia seized 29.7 tons of minerals from Tiger Hill, an illegal mine operated by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The mineral that is mined out of Tiger Hill is tungsten, which is used by global manufactures to produce liquid-crystal-display screens, smartphones and high-end car parts. 85… Continue reading Illegal Mining of Tungsten in Colombia
Value of Gold Smuggling in South Sudan
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mining reported that the country of South Sudan losses an estimated $200 Million per year from illicit gold smuggling. Every day, an estimated 17 kilograms of gold is smuggled out of the country. Source: “South Sudan loses over $200m a year from gold smuggling,” Sudan Tribune, July 29, 2013.
Amount of Gold Smuggled into Nepal
According to security services, intelligence suggests that up to 40 kilograms of gold is smuggled into Nepal each day from China. The gold eventually is smuggled into India. Source: “35 kg gold seized‚ four smugglers held,” Himalayan Times, July 10, 2013.
Profit for Smuggling Gold From Dubai to India
A gold smuggler who brings gold from Dubai to India is paid $16.82 for each 10 gram of gold that is smuggled. The smugglers are able to receive double the amount if they bring cash back to the gold agents in Dubai. In 2012, an estimated 102 tonnes of gold was illegally smuggled in India… Continue reading Profit for Smuggling Gold From Dubai to India
Fuel for Mining Operations in Peru
In the Madre de Dios region of Peru, 85 percent of fuel sales is used to operate machinery for illegal mining operations. Only 15 percent of all fuel sales is used for automobiles. The illegal mining machinery requires 70 to 80 gallons of fuel to operate per day. The area, located on the borders of… Continue reading Fuel for Mining Operations in Peru
Illegal Mining of Gold More Profitable Than Cocaine in Colombia
Security officials in Colombia report that illegal mining of gold has become a more profitable activity for FARC, ELN and other organized crime gangs in the country. According to a police official, a kilogram of cocaine sold in the Colombia jungle is sold for $2,570 (5 Million Colombian Pesos). Based on the current world market… Continue reading Illegal Mining of Gold More Profitable Than Cocaine in Colombia
Illegal Iron Ore Smuggling from Vietnam to China
In the two years of 2011 to 2012, over 3.2 million tonnes of iron ore was illegally smuggled into China from Vietnam, according to the Vietnam Steel Association. The difference in the reported export amount from Vietnam and the reported import amount from China was 1.55 million tonnes in 2011. The difference caused losses of… Continue reading Illegal Iron Ore Smuggling from Vietnam to China