Foundations for Updating Colombia's National Mining Policy

Abstract

This article summarizes the proposals arising from the event "Central Pillars of Mining in the Country: Foundations for Updating Mining Policy in Colombia," held in Medellín on January 30, 2023. The event was organized by the Departmental Assembly of Antioquia, the Colombian Confederation of Departmental Assemblies and Deputies (CONFADICOL), the Congressional Ad Hoc Commission for Updating Mining Policy, and the Antioquia Inter-institutional Committee for the Promotion of Participation. It brought together more than 38 experts, including academics, public officials, social leaders, and representatives of the mining sector.

The aim was to gather technical and conceptual input to enrich the reform process of the Mining Code and National Mining Policy. The article summarizes the event's conclusions and addresses the complexity of mining in Colombia, analyzing the social, environmental, ethical, economic, and public-order conflicts arising from current regulations. Topics discussed include mining-energy trends, territorial disputes, institutional inefficiency, the legitimacy of the activity, and equity in access to mining. The proposals emphasize the need for an inclusive, forward-looking vision, comprehensive environmental management, inter-institutional coordination, and sustainability, underscoring the urgency of an ethical, regulatory, and territorial transformation that ensures responsible and equitable mining capable of contributing to sustainable development and collective well-being.