Illegal mining along Colombia’s Pacific coast
The report confirmed the discovery and subsequent seizure of three illegal gold mines that had been operating in the western state of Choco which were believed to be created by the FARC, the country’s largest rebel group, and the Urabeños, the country’s largest neo-paramilitary group.
MORE: 2/3rd of Colombia’s states affected by illegal mining: Environmental prosecutors
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Along with deforestation, the report also confirmed that large amounts of mercury and cyanide — precursors of the extraction process — were found dumped in nearby rivers which were the water supply of numerous municipalities.
Illegal mining has become a serious problem for Colombian authorities that considers the extraction of fossil fuels and minerals the “engine” of economic growth.
According to critics however, the Colombian government simplifies the situation and unjustly criminalizes artisan and small miners in order to benefit multinationals.
MORE: Small-scale miners persecuted to clear way for multinationals: Senator
Choco
Sources
- Responsabilizan a las Farc de grave daño ambiental en Chocó (El Espectador)
- Descubierta alianza Farc – Bacrim contra el ecosistema (National Police)