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:
Current situation

Our main challenges:
Formalization process:
- • A setting conducive to building relationships and open dialogue
- Identification of existing mine sites and processing facilities
- Technical, economic, and environmental feasibility analysis
- Community agreements
- Application for approval of a mining formalization subcontract - ANM
- Subcontract execution
- Technical studies and improvement plan (temporary EIA, final EIA, PTOC (Complementary Work and Construction Program), and PGS (Social Management Plan)
- Training and Education
- Commissioning – Start of activities
What are the main benefits of mining formalization?
- Legal protection
- Increase in mineral production
- Job creation
- Clean and eco-friendly extractive practices
- Technology and innovation
- Legal wages and social benefits
- Access to formal banking services
- Occupational health and safety