The organizations and persons behind the Statement express our concerns to the Colombian government about the implications of the collapse of the Mining Code in effect since May 11, 2012 (Law 1382, 2010) and the consequent return to the previous Mining Code (Law 685 2001), particularly as concerns the serious consequences to the country’s environment (detailed in the document).
 
To prevent these impacts, we urge you to take the following steps:

• Present in the shortest time possible a draft of the Mining Code that overcomes the deficiencies of mining regulations and brings the legislation into line with the duties of biodiversity and water protection, while previously guaranteeing that ethnic groups have the right to free, prior and informed consultation.
• Maintain the moratorium on mining permits until a new Mining Code is submitted and approved.
• Immediately decree a moratorium on environmental licenses in order to avoid the elimination of environmental protection clauses.

Statement available in Spanish only.