Colombia Indigenous Groups Report Concerns Over Mining and Wind Energy Projects

Wayuú and Yukpa Indigenous communities in Colombia’s northern departments report that coal mining and proposed wind energy projects have affected land, water, and health conditions. Maria Elena Aguilar Uriana, a Wayuú resident, described a former watering hole that is now dry.

She said children in the area face malnutrition. José Silva Duarte, president of Nación Wayúu, said coal dust from the Cerrejón mine settles on land and livestock. He stated that animals show coal dust in their lungs after slaughter.

Cerrejón, operated by Glencore, runs one of the world’s largest open-pit coal mines in Wayuú territory. The company said it follows Colombian law on land purchases and operates air-quality monitoring. The Yukpa people in neighboring Cesar department reported that mining companies diverted rivers, limiting fishing access.

Edward Álvarez, a lawyer for the Yukpa, said communities have lost traditional resource areas. Luz Eneida Quiroz Rodríguez said fish have disappeared from local rivers and crops have declined. She lost her three-year-old son to malnutrition in 2022.

Mining and Energy Planning

Unit stated that La Guajira could generate about 15 gigawatts of wind energy. The ministry noted more than 30 wind power projects are in planning or licensing stages. Joanna Barney of Indepaz said multinational companies entering Indigenous territories disregard local cultures.

Community leaders reported receiving death threats after speaking against projects. The national mining agency said mining must follow current environmental and social standards. It added that some issues from older projects are under administrative or judicial review.