Five Canadian mining company workers have been identified among bodies discovered in clandestine graves in the Mexican state of Sinaloa, authorities confirmed Monday. The workers were abducted on January 23rd although working at a mine operated by Vancouver-based Vizsla Silver Corp. In the Concordia municipality.
Relatives of some of the victims were informed by the company that their family members had been found deceased, according to Vizsla Silver. The company stated it is awaiting official confirmation from Mexican authorities and will provide further information as it becomes available.
“We are devastated by this outcome and the tragic loss of life,” said Michael Konnert, President and CEO of Vizsla Silver, in a statement released hours before the official confirmation. “Our focus remains on the safe recovery of those who remain missing and on supporting all affected families and our people during this incredibly demanding time.”
Family members have begun to identify the deceased. José Manuel Castañeda Hernández, a 43-year-vintage geologist, was identified by his brother on Sunday, CBC News reported. Jaime Castañeda, José Manuel’s brother, described the experience as “very painful” and lamented the lack of justice.
The Colegio de Ingenieros en Ecología de Chihuahua also shared news of the death of Jesús Antonio de la O Valdez, expressing solidarity with his family and friends. He was remembered for his professionalism and contributions to environmental engineering.
Mexican authorities announced on Friday the arrest of four individuals in connection with the case and the discovery of bodies and human remains in the search area. The Attorney General’s Office stated that the remaining bodies found in the graves are still awaiting identification.
The abductions and subsequent deaths occur amidst a surge in violence in Sinaloa, linked to a power struggle between factions affiliated with Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, both leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel currently imprisoned in the United States. A journalist specializing in Mexican violence described the situation as a “civil war” between the factions, a conflict that escalated from a “cold war” in recent years.
In 2025, the state of Sinaloa recorded over 1,680 homicides, according to the Mexican newspaper Milenio. Federal government figures indicate that over 7,000 people are currently missing in Sinaloa, part of a national total of 132,000 missing persons across Mexico.
Vizsla Silver Corp. Initially reported the abduction of 10 people from its Panuco project site on January 29th. Global Affairs Canada stated it was monitoring the situation through the Canadian Embassy, but was not aware of any missing Canadian citizens at the time of the initial report.
