With the finding and disablement of these mining production units, about 1.3 kilograms of gold and 13.5 tons of Iron sand and minerals will not be extracted monthly.
Artisanal structures with machinery and equipment for the illicit extraction of mining sites were destroyed by units of the Colombian Navy, Colombian National Army, the Colombian Aerospace Force and the National Police, during operations against illegal structures responsible for the damage to the country's natural resources in the waters of the Atabapo River, in the department of Guainía.
The operations are carried out between the towns of Playa Blanca and San Juan, where units of the Navy Infantry River Battalion No.50 with members of the Military Forces, neutralize and destroy three mining production units that were operating without the necessary permits.
Inside the three structures, equipment and supplies commonly used for the illicit extraction of mining deposits were found by troops, such as diesel engines, suction pumps, compressors, motor pumps, hoses, diving equipment, 9.5 grams of mercury, six metal boats, among other elements.
It is estimated that the cost of these mining production units could reach 240 million pesos and with their finding and disablement, about 1.3 kilograms of gold and 13.5 tons of ironsands and minerals such as tin, tantalite, among others, are prevented from being extracted monthly; denying illegal activities and the income of approximately 607 billion pesos per month.
The constructions were destroyed at the scene, complying with the established protocols for the protection of the environment; while the material found was put into custody of the authorities.
It should be noted that with this military operation, the contamination of rivers by toxic chemicals such as mercury is prevented. In the same way, the destruction of river habitats is prevented, excessive sedimentation due to the removal of river beds that disturbs the quality of water and life of communities; in addition to deforestation, erosion and loss vegetation.
Source: Press – Navy of Colombia
