Mining sectors in Chile and Colombia seek regulatory and environmental clarity

In Chile, discussions are underway regarding a mining protection bill (Bulletin No. 18.259-08) aimed at small and medium-scale mining. While the project proposes replacing a progressive patent scale with two fixed rates (0.4 and 0.1 UTM), critics argue it fails to address the lack of a dedicated institutional framework. There are calls to incorporate small-scale mining into the 2026-2030 Government Mining Plan through a Framework Law that would address financing, regulatory simplification, technological modernization, and environmental compliance.

In Colombia, mining organizations and community leaders in Soto Norte are calling for the government to finalize the delimitation of the Santurbán Paramo. This process has faced a nine-year delay despite a 2017 Constitutional Court ruling. Following the appointment of Indalecio Dangond Baquero as Ad Hoc Minister of Environment for Santurbán issues, local leaders from Asomineros Vetas are urging the administration to resume concertation tables in the remaining 14 municipalities to ensure legal mining activities are protected and environmental boundaries are clearly defined.