English Essays
The Mining activity is very important in Colombia because there are many valuable minerals in the country. However the illegal mining extraction is a very serious problem. It harms people, national economy and damages the environment. It is important to do something about it; not only by the legal authorities but also by the citizens.
So far, it is well known that mining activities has destroyed agricultural areas, hydrics fountains and biodiversity areas. Within this mining activity the most dangerous is the illegal one.
Mostly this extraction is made by armed groups who benefit narcotrafficking structures. It is also carried out by peasants or very poor people. These people work without tittles and technology and they do not care about environment. Farthermore people who live in those mining areas, mainly indigenous communities are very vulnerable because of the environmental, economical and cultural changes caused by illegal(and legal) mining.
The government has been taken some measures such as the creation of a new police unit: the National Unit of Intervention against Criminal Mining (UNIMIC). This Unit was created to: “combat those who are dedicated to the theft, trafficking and illegal sales of mining products in the country”. [1] However, legal and other government measures are not enough. Common citizens have to do something such as to avoid the contamination of the rivers, to reforest, to reject illegal (and legal) mining in certains areas and to remain in typical activities in their territories. The main action is to avoid the damage to Colombian diversity.[2]
However complex the problem is, some people say that illegal (and legal) mining can bring schools, homes or refugees to people with low resources. It also brings economical resources to those who work in the activity. It also allows people to meet different kind of people and to know different types of habits and costumes.
As we can see in this short paper, the problem is very complex, especially in a developing country. The mining activity gives benefits to those who practice it, but in the long term, it causes irreversible damages to the environment and this is the most precious gifts we have to preserve.
[1] http://www.insightcrime.org/news-analysis/colombia-fights-criminal-mining-but-legal-failings-persist
[2] www.elespectador.com
The Illegal mining in Colombia
By Martín Romero