The Colombian ministry of the environment published
a study showing that deforestation in Colombia increased by 16% in 2014, largely
due to illegal mining and logging, forest fires, and the growth of cattle
grazing land. The Ministry noted that deforestation actually declined
in the Colombian Amazon, though it remains high.
El
Tiempo also reported on illegal mining and the significant danger that it
poses to the environment in Colombia. According to the newspaper’s report,
illegal mining moves 7 billion Colombian Pesos every year, and is concentrated
in the departments of Antioquia, Chocó, Nariño, Valle del Cauca, and Bolívar.
Ever day, illegal mining is responsible for the destruction
of 1,400 hectares of forest. Because illegal mining occurs outside of
environmental regulations, it destroys Colombian rivers and water resources. El
Tiempo stressed that combatting this problem is key to protecting Colombia’s
natural resources.
El
Espectador reported on a different perspective in the battle over informal
mining in Colombia – that of the small informal miners in their conflict with the
large gold mining companies in Colombia. The report centers on the laundering
of gold mined illegally by small-scale miners living in abject poverty, which
enriches the companies that act as middlemen. Companies like Giraldo y Duque
Ltda. facilitate the export of this gold and are rewarded handsomely.
Lastly, EFE
reported that a raid against illegal mining in Antioquia lead to the capture of
13 illegal miners. Normally, these raids result in very few arrests, as the
miners are able to see the soldiers coming and flee to safety. However, this
raid was able to surprise and capture the miners, most of who are from the
department of Chocó.
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