Peruvian mining sector worker Frank Monzón was aware of the risks, but the lure of gold deep in the Andean rock of northern Pataz province outweighed the danger. Now he and 12 others are dead in one of the country's worst mining massacres.

In Peru's Pataz province, illegal gold mining has led to violence, claiming 13 lives in a tragic incident. Despite gold's allure, communities suffer from poverty and criminal activities linked to illegal mining operations,

Mining activity in the area will be suspended for 30 days.She spoke after 13 bodies were discovered in a mine shaft over the weekend as criminal groups step up a wave of terror over control of the precious metal in the area.