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Colombia mining group cautions government decree puts sector at danger

Colombia's mining association cautioned on Thursday that the sector was at risk of being disabled by legal uncertainty, after a government decree released this year gave authorities the capability to develop socalled temporary ecological zones.

The decree allows Colombia's environment ministry to declare areas as natural deposit reserve zones for a five-year duration, which can be restored.

All mining is at danger of being paralyzed, Juan Camilo Narino, head of the Colombian Mining Association, stated at a. press conference. No one is going to invest with this much. uncertainty.

One of the first regions which might be put under the scheme. is the Santurban high altitude wetland in the department of. Santander, Narino stated, where firms are interested in gold. exploration activities and where artisanal miners are already. present.

Environment Minister Susana Muhamad does not want to. completely halt mining, Narino stated, however is looking to decrease. the risks to plants, fauna and water sources.

Colombia is an important producer and exporter of thermal. coal and gold, and is looking to increase exploration efforts for. metals like copper.

The South American nation's mining sector is an important. generator of foreign currency, taxes and royalties.

Last year, the sector paid the state 17 billion pesos ($ 3.99. billion) in taxes and royalties, Narino stated.

He cautioned of a drop in foreign financial investment and lower output. by miners this year as an outcome of the government procedure.

The sector simply requires clarity, he said, adding the legal. uncertainty was intensified by insecurity brought on by prohibited armed. groups and regular demonstrations by local neighborhoods who oppose. mining jobs or who are looking for a share of investments.

(source: Reuters)