Resources projects that fail to meet regulatory requirements will be swiftly exploded, a radical advocate said.
Non-complaint mine operators could soon have their developments seized and blown up.
A new mining bill recently proposed giving authorities the power to destroy projects built without prior federal and state approval.
“Illegal dredge that is found … [will be] dynamited immediately, which implies a different mining policy than the one we have – which will be the subject of a bill,” Colombian President Gustavo Petro said in a public statement according to Google Translate.
Petro urged proponents to do the right thing and seek regulatory approvals, instead of continuing to operate unlawfully.
“We have discussed and talked about a new route to attack illegal mining, which is one of the great problems in the Magdalena Medio territory and in other regions of the country due to its enormous destructive capacity for the environment,” he said according to the internet giant.
“In this new mining policy the small traditional miner can obtain concessions granted by the state for long-term exploitation, which allows him to invest for the sustainability of his activity in relation to not affecting the environment.”
The left-leaning president justified the extreme measure as a necessary evil to stamp out non-compliance.
“In the operation against the dredgers we will seek the legal path for it,” he said.
Related articles
Anti-mining activist fined and jailed for dumping coal
Illegal mining Meroo River
Two men to face illegal mining charges
Urine tests for drugs and alcohol may soon be illegal on mine sites.
Add Comment