Petrominerales, the fourth largest petroleum producer in Colombia, resumed production after a stoppage caused by protests, the company announced on its website Wednesday.
The company “expects to be producing at full capacity within 48 to 72 hours,” Petrominerals produces 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) from all its fields.
The company also thanked the Colombian government for “restoring public order to the area and their leadership in organizing community that were held September 13.” During the meetings a timeline was agreed upon for “continued diplomatic discussions aimed at developing sustainable solutions for the area.”
Isnardo Lozano, secretary general of the USO oil industry union, told Colombia Reports that five round tables have been formed on the subjects of the environment, labor, social investment, goods and services, and human rights.
The trade unionist said “if these round tables result in something that the community sees as positive, we doubt very much that there would be a repeat of these protests.”
Demonstrations began September 8 when groups of people began blocking roads near the Corcel and Guatiquia fields in the department of Meta in protests regarding environmental pollution, a lack of social investment, and a refusal to hire local people.
