Toward Sustainable Mining in Antioquia

Abstract

Written by the Manager of the Antioquia Technology Park, a former Deputy Minister of Environment, this article presents a diagnosis of Antioquian mining and proposes strategies toward sustainable mining. The author characterizes the problem of informal artisanal mining in Bajo Cauca and Nordeste Antioquia, documenting the widespread use of mercury and its bioaccumulation effects. The text raises four challenges for the departmental Mining Secretariat: environmental management, equitable social management, a long-term vision incorporating forestry and agrofuel projects in post-mining areas, and technological value addition.