Full Breakdown
Allegations of Organized Crime Influence at Orla Mining's Camino Rojo Gold Mine
4/17/2026, 8:13:06 PM
Overview of the Situation
Allegations have emerged regarding the involvement of organized crime at the Camino Rojo gold mine, owned by Vancouver-based Orla Mining, located in Zacatecas, Mexico. Workers have reported that local management colluded with a faction of the Sinaloa cartel to undermine the existing union, the National Union of Workers for Mining, Metalworking and Similar (Mineros Union), ahead of a crucial union representation vote scheduled for November 2024.
Background & Context
The Camino Rojo mine has been under scrutiny following a rapid response labour panel established under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). In February 2025, the panel concluded that management had violated workers' rights by allowing intimidation and coercion to influence union representation. The panel found that management had engaged in "employer interference" and was complicit in acts of pressure against workers to support a rival union, the National Union of Exploration, Exploitation and Processing Mine Workers (Beneficio de Minas).
Key Figures & Groups
The allegations involve several key entities:
- Orla Mining: The Canadian company that owns the Camino Rojo mine.
- Sinaloa Cartel: A prominent organized crime group in Mexico, specifically the Operativa Flechas faction, which is alleged to have threatened workers.
- National Union of Workers for Mining, Metalworking and Similar (Mineros Union): The union that held collective bargaining rights at the mine until the disputed vote.
Workers' Experiences and Complaints
Between July and December 2024, multiple workers contacted Orla Mining's ethics hotline to report threats and coercion. However, they received little to no response from the company's human resources department. Two former union members, who have since fled their homes due to death threats, expressed frustration over the lack of action from Orla Mining. They reported that while they received case numbers for their complaints, there was no substantive follow-up.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to the allegations, Orla Mining stated that it is "engaging in dialogue with the governments of Mexico and the United States" and is implementing additional measures following the labour panel's findings. The company also mentioned that it is reviewing potential criminal activity at the mine and has alerted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other authorities.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics, including the affected workers, have called for Orla Mining to acknowledge the issues at the mine and apologize for the situation. They argue that the company must recognize its ties to organized crime to address the problem effectively. One former union member stated, “If they acknowledge this, then they’ll cut the ties they have with these people who are part of narcotrafficking.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the U.S. government labor probe has confirmed the presence of cartel members at the mine, discrepancies exist regarding the extent of Orla Mining's knowledge and involvement in these activities. The RCMP has not commented on the situation, leaving gaps in the understanding of the company's response to the allegations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We informed [Orla Mining's human resources department] of everything that was happening, how [management] had made a deal with the narcotraffickers, and they never did anything,” — Former Union Member
- “The truth is, there was never any type of response,” — Former Union Member
- “There is no place where you can hide where I won't find you.” — Letter Translation from U.S. Office of the Trade Representative
The situation at the Camino Rojo mine highlights significant concerns regarding labor rights and the influence of organized crime in the mining sector, raising questions about corporate responsibility and worker safety.
