Operation against illegal mining in Antioquia results in over $1 billion in losses for armed groups

During military and territorial control operations carried out in the municipalities of San Luis and Puerto Nare, Antioquia, troops from the 4th Special Energy and Road Battalion of the 4th Brigade, in coordination with the National Police through DICAR (Directorate of Carabineers and Rural Security), SECAR, and UNIMIL Antioquia, succeeded in rendering inoperable machinery and equipment used to carry out illicit mining operations, allegedly on behalf of the Gulf Clan. 

During the operation, two illegal mining production units were located and destroyed; these were used for the illicit extraction of gold and the exploitation of the region’s natural resources. At the site, two excavators, three screening machines, four dredges, five compressor-type engines, seven combustion-powered motor pumps, one industrial engine, one power generator, two air compressors, 1,000 gallons of diesel fuel, 600 meters of suction hose, and four suction grenades were rendered inoperable.

This significant operational result inflicts an economic loss of over 1 billion pesos on this criminal structure, which was producing an estimated 10,080 grams of gold per month, equivalent to over 5 billion pesos on the illegal market.

Likewise, authorities documented a severe environmental impact caused by this illicit activity, affecting approximately six hectares of land, involving the removal of nearly 45,000 cubic meters of soil and subsoil, the deforestation of approximately 4,000 trees, and the contamination of tributaries and watersheds in the region. According to environmental authorities, the recovery of these ecosystems could take more than 30 years.

The National Army will continue to carry out joint, coordinated, and interagency operations to combat illicit economies that finance organized armed groups and threaten the security, environment, and peace of communities in the department of Antioquia.

Source: Seventh Division Press.