Deal #3105

There was a mixed reaction by the communities affected by the project. On the one hand, the people from Bucaramanga and its metropolitan area held several demonstrations against the presence of the mining project close to the sources of the water used for their aqueduct. They worry that this large-scale mine would pollute their waters with cyanide and other chemicals required for gold extraction. On the other side, the communities close to the area of influence are in favor of the project due to the employment generated and the acceptance of mining, which they make in small scale and in traditional manners, as a legal activity in the area. The delimitation of the Páramo boundaries requested by the Constitutional Court and environmental groups, might impede any mining activity within the established boundaries. Source 11

According to the company, in the area of influence of the project, there is a high degree of land informality. Additionally, there is presence of Páramo ecosystem, being this extremely fragile and necessary for the water supply of almost 3 Million people in the municipalities in the Northeastern region of Santander. Source 11. Source 6

The company argues that pretends to create a foundation to support small businesses in the area of influence. They intend to offer social trainings to the owners of small businesses. These projects were held together with support of the World Bank. Source 2

The company argues that pretends to create a foundation to support small businesses in the area of influence. They intend to offer social trainings to the owners of small businesses. These projects were held together with support of the World Bank. Source 2

Center for international Environmental Law, SOMO, MiningWatch Canada Source 11