The expansion of illegal mining in the La Libertad region, specifically in the provinces of Sánchez Carrión and Pataz, has exacerbated the environmental crisis and insecurity. In Huamachuco, police monitoring detected a resurgence of these activities in hamlets such as Shiracmaca and Coigobamba, where criminal mafias were previously believed to have been eradicated. This illicit activity is contaminating the lagoons of the Huaylillas natural reserve and irrigation canals vital to local agriculture. Five illegal mine shafts and 17 active pits have been identified in Shiracmaca, in addition to suspicious structures in Coigobamba that could be concealing underground entrances. Residents report constant threats that prevent them from filing reports. Technicians warn that there is an intent to interconnect mine shafts to facilitate mineral extraction, which significantly increases the risk of environmental disasters and violence in the area.