Sustainable Development:
the main criterion for mining policy

“The nation has substantially improved, but we still need to be more attractive to investors to become a highly competitive nation.”

Carlos Castellanos, member of
the Exchange Committee of the Government of Australia

In previous editions of From Colombian Mining, we described various MME strategies for introducing incentives for the development of responsible integrated mining through Environmental Monitoring Strategies (Evaluaciones Ambientales Estratégicas) (EAEs). In order to launch these Environmental Monitoring Strategies, workshops were carried out in the first half of last year (2007), throughout the nation, with the participation of both regional and national environmental agencies. Their aim was to vallidate a methodology for the application of Environmental Monitoring Strategy workshops.

With this validation, early action to solve the problems facing each region was defined, along with the necessary action for each Mining District to define their own vision and contribute to the achievement of the Mining Vision for 2019.

The application of Environmental Monitoring Strategies involves notifying the main regional participants in order that the impact of such actions may be determined on a regional basis. The four factors decided upon were: biological, social, political, and economic.

For the advancement of the joint effort between mining environmental authorities, May and September of 2008 saw meetings between the MME, represented by Hernán Martínez Torres (Minister of Mines and Energy, Colombia) and Beatriz Duque (Director of Mines, Colombia), and the directors and officials of national regional autonomous corporations.

During these sessions, the Minister presented public policy for the mining sector in Colombia, which aims at the objective of sustainable development. He also presented an analysis regarding problematic industrial principals. Following this, participants were invited to offer their own views on the mining sector.

Topics arising were as follows: undertaking regional workshops involving environmental and mining authorities to treat common concerns such as the application of Environmental Monitoring Strategies. These involve training for local authorities, information—sharing regarding the illegality and legalization of certain current mining operations, mining authorities and their social responsibility, the strengthening of delegated governorships and environmental authorities regarding inspections and territorial classification (especially in the Mining Districts).

Subsequently, as a result of the impact of the first meeting, the Environmental Council of Antioquia called a meeting to continue talks with Minister Hernán Martínez. Among others, representatives of the Metropolitan Areas of Valle de Aburrá, Corantioquia, and Cornare, the Valle de Aburrá Technical Management Department for the Environment, the Valle de Aburrá Municipal Secretaries for the Environment, the Police Environmental Division, the Comptroller of Antioquia and Medellín, the Regional Agricultural District Attorney’s Office, representatives of environmental NGOs, representation from the National Ascociation of Industries, representation from the Inter—Union Council of Antioquia, and representatives from universities, were all present.

Although the MME, working together with relevant authorities, has reduced risks regarding investment, and that the private sector has sustained both responsible and competitive mining, there are still matters that seriously affect the environment. These need dealing with in order to fulfill the vision of “Colombian Mining: Responsible Development”.

Within the framework of the agreement between the MME, the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development (MAVDT), the Public Prosecutor, the District Attorney’s Office, and Ingeominas, problems arising from illegal exploitation in Colombia, with preventative measures aimed at training and raising awareness among mining authorities and local and regional authorities, are being dealt with.

Not only is information regarding mining competence being offered, but also the classification of offences involving mining operators and promoters for the lack of a mining deed registered in the National Mining Register. Also, investigations by the National Public Prosecutor’s Office have been opened to look into complaints received by participating entities.

Strategic directives aimed at fostering responsible and sustainable development as a primary goal of mining policy must come hand in hand with structural regulation that supports and complements this policy.

Finally, it is essential to have follow—up to initiatives such as investment projects as well as joint incentives with the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development, in forest reserves and environmental liabilities, where the aim is to obtain spatial and geological, mining, socio—economic, and environmental, data to help in the decision—making process regarding the environment and mining.

These types of initiatives are a clear example of what the MME and environmental institutions are doing to bring about sustainable environmental development in the mining sector.