A small plane carrying Mithril Resources (TSXV: MSG) CEO John Skeet and two geologists was reportedly shot down by gunfire shortly after takeoff from the Copalquin mining project in Durango, Mexico, near the border of Chihuahua and Sinaloa. The incident, which occurred in the volatile Guadalupe y Calvo region, marks a stark escalation of security risks for mining operations in areas plagued by narco violence.
Unofficial reports from security agencies point to the criminal group La Línea as the likely perpetrators. This gang has recently seized control of parts of Chihuahua, displacing rival factions like Gente Nueva of the Sinaloa Cartel in a brutal turf war. The aircraft was allegedly targeted near an area known as Cabeza del Cuervo, a remote zone notorious for criminal activity.
According to unconfirmed accounts, the pilot managed a successful emergency landing despite the plane being crippled by gunfire. Skeet is said to have used a satellite phone to contact authorities, prompting a swift response from an army unit that rescued the group before the attackers could reach them.
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The narrow escape highlights the extreme dangers faced by personnel in Mexico’s mining sector, where projects often operate in regions far from government control.
The Copalquin project, a key exploration site for Mithril Resources, sits in a strategically important area for silver and gold prospects. However, its location near contested narco territories has raised concerns about the feasibility of safe operations. Violent incidents involving cartels have disrupted mining activities across northern Mexico, with companies increasingly forced to invest in private security or rely on military escorts.
Mithril Resources has yet to issue an official statement on the incident. The reported attack comes amid broader challenges for the mining industry in Mexico, where regulatory hurdles and community opposition already complicate operations. Yesterday, Vizsla Silver (TSX: VZLA) confirmed the death of nine employees following a kidnapping incident that began back in January.
Security in the Chihuahua-Sinaloa-Durango border region remains precarious, with La Línea and rival cartels vying for dominance over lucrative trafficking routes. The Mexican government has deployed additional forces to the area in recent months, but control over remote territories continues to slip.
Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
