Mining

The past decade has seen something of a reawakening for the mining industry, as improved security and political support have resulted in increased investment and mineral production. While still a relatively small percentage of the wider economy, revenues from mining exports have risen dramatically over the past decade. Mining activities expanded 6.3% in 2012, largely thanks to the 19% expansion in the mining of metallic minerals. The current administration has high hopes of expanding production of its primary mining exports – coal and gold – while formalising the vast number of informal operations and ensuring a stable and secure environment for private firms. This chapter includes interviews with Beatriz Uribe, President, Mineros; and Maria Constanza García, President, Agencia Nacional de Minería.