Mining Integration

Minesa knows the importance of mining traditions in Soto Norte, where artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has existed for more than 450 years.

We have created the Mining Integration program, which provides artisanal and small-scale miners in California (Santander) with the means to do their mining operations under the Colombian legal framework, with our legal and technical support.

We have been working with ASM for more than five years, seeking formalization to preserve the territory's tradition and further position mining as the main economic activity in this municipality. Calimineros was the first group of miners formalized thanks to the support of Sociedad Minera de Santander (Minesa). Calimineros came about after 160 miners joined together to form an inclusive and active association. This has generated a significant social impact on their families, their work, and their region.

The Mining Integration program aims to turn California into the leading metal-producing municipality, where all miners can do business legally, using modern technology, innovation, and best practices.

Target population

Traditional Miners (Miners engaged in artisanal and small-scale mining operations on their own land)

Informal Miners (formerly known as Galafardos)

Current situation

Our main challenges:

To preserve and strengthen mining culture and tradition in California, Santander (Colombia).

To become a socially responsible, efficient, and innovative model for the mining industry.

To promote artisanal and small-scale mining with technical, economic, social, and management standards that generate revenue and job opportunities for local miners.

To improve communities’ economic conditions.