La Nación, a major Costa Rican news outlet, published several updates on February 17, 2026, highlighting concerns over illegal mining activities and an incident involving an Uber driver.
In two separate posts on the same day, La Nación reported that Mario Zamora warned lawmakers about the increasing sophistication and expansion of illegal mining beyond the Crucitas area. In the first post at 04:01:01 UTC, La Nación stated: ” Minería ilegal se especializó y se expandió afuera de Crucitas, alertó Mario Zamora a diputados https://t.co/IUEsJNPtzm”. The second post at 04:01:10 UTC reiterated this message: ” Minería ilegal se especializó y se expandió afuera de Crucitas, alertó Mario Zamora a diputados https://t.co/JxukSgBL0o”.
Later that morning at 04:26:10 UTC, La Nación shared another report regarding a local Uber driver who described a distressing experience with a passenger. The tweet read: ” Chofer de Uber narró impensada pesadilla que vivió con pasajero y lanza llamado: ‘Fue un extremo total’ https://t.co/3ovYXk1Iox”.
Illegal gold mining in Costa Rica has been an ongoing issue for years. The Crucitas region has drawn particular attention due to its environmental impact and legal controversies surrounding mining operations. Authorities have expressed concern as illegal miners adapt their methods and move into new areas outside traditional hotspots.
