In a compelling revelation, Aldo Carlos Mariño, the mayor of Pataz, describes the resource-rich province as caught in a "nightmare" due to the presence of gold. Despite the vast gold production, Pataz receives a paltry 5 million from the mining canon, a stark contrast given the gold benefits areas such as La Molina and San Borja in Lima instead. Mariño criticizes the current state of affairs, highlighting that the local economy and infrastructure remain underdeveloped while the fruits of their labor enrich others far removed from the mining regions. The mayor also stressed the inadequacy of measures like curfews to combat rising crime linked to the illegal gold trade. He argues for the establishment of a Depincri base and intelligence operations to effectively tackle the criminal activity plaguing the area. This situation sheds light on the complex interplay between resource management and socio-economic development, urging a reassessment of how the wealth generated in mining regions like Pataz is distributed and utilized across Peru. Key discussions around economic disparity, effective law enforcement, and sustainable resource management in mining provinces are crucial. This narrative not only opens a window into the challenges faced by Pataz but also invites a broader conversation about equitable development in resource-rich areas, highlighting the importance of addressing both security and economic distribution to truly benefit local communities.