Mining Engineer Working for Continental Gold Killed in Central Colombia

Oscar Alarcon, a mining engineer working for Canadian mining company Continental Gold, was attacked and shot to death last week in central Colombia.

Two engineers were attacked on the morning of September 5 in the town of Buriticá where the Toronto-based company operates a large gold mine. The other was injured and needed treatment.

According to a report from Reuters, local law enforcement believed the attack “did not immediately appear to be connected with crime gangs or insurgents.” The outlet reported that Alarcon and his co-worker were shot at while traveling in a vehicle.

“Tragically, Oscar Alarcon was fatally wounded and the other employee was injured and is currently being treated and is in stable condition,” said Continental Gold in a statement last week.

The company added that it was cooperating with authorities and “offers its sincere condolences and support to the families of the victims.”