Blockages and New Regulations, What's Next for Mining?

Mining attorney Estefanny Pardo was interviewed by El Colombiano about the regulation of Colombia's mining sector. The first two months of 2025 have seen a number of accidents reported by mining companies, which already dealt with various blockages, attacks and other actions against mining activities in 2024. In response, the Colombian government has proposed a sweeping and ambitious regulatory package; among the proposed measures are limits on the exploration and production of minerals, as well as the creation of a state mining company. These developments have generated uncertainty within the Colombian mining industry, and Ms. Pardo commented that the authorities are making a contradiction between calling for investments in renewable energy projects and sustainability projects and then denying permits for these projects. She also expressed her thoughts on what new regulations should include.

"I think the sector needs regulations that enhance tax or financial benefits for companies that adopt clean technologies and responsible practices, promoting investment in sustainability," she said. "...It is very important to incorporate in anticipatory plans mechanisms that allow for the forecasting of socioenvironmental risks."

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