Paramilitary, guerrilla groups threaten coal mining unions in Colombia

Coal mining unions operating in northern Colombia demanded protection from local, regional and national authorities as they are a permanent target of armed groups demanding bribes.

During a meeting with civilian, military and police authorities, the Coal Mining Association (Asocarbonor), the Association of Cokers of Norte de Santander (Asocoquizadores) and the Sardinata Miners Association (Asomisar) noted that 70,000 families have been affected by the threatening actions of the illegal groups. They say that in addition to coal miners and truck drivers carrying ore, company executives, and people working in hotels, restaurants, and oil and gas operations, among others, have been victimized.

There are about 100 coal mines in the area, particularly in the Sardinata municipality, whose economy relies on the production of the fossil fuel.

“We are being intimidated by people with small and large guns who operate in areas that have traditionally been occupied by the Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN). This has prevented us from returning to work in the new year,” the miners said during the meeting. “This not only affects the finances of thousands of families that rely on mining for work but also pushes us to break contractual obligations, which has devastating effects on the economy.”

In addition to asking for protection from the authorities, the unions called on the armed groups to stop extorsioning them.

Coal, together with oil, is one of Colombia’s main sources of revenue.