On the World Water Day we highlight the work done by the Brigade against Illegal Mining in the fight against the illegal exploitation of mining deposits that has seriously hit the rivers.
Bogotá. The preservation and protection of natural resources is one of the great missions of the Multi mission Heroes of the National Army. To this purpose, the Brigade against Illegal Mining was created in 2015, the only unit in the world specialized in counteracting the illegal exploitation of mining deposits, whose military operations have managed to prevent further damages to the country's water resources.
At the commemoration of the World Water Day, the efforts of this Military Unit, attached to the Air Assault Aviation Division, aim at neutralizing illegal mining sites in areas prioritized by the Ministry of Defense and conducting successful studies that have been carried out in coordination with the National Police and environmental institutions, where the negative effects of illegal mining on water resources have been detected, which is essential for environmental sustainability.
"We have focused scenarios where we highlight five special prioritized areas. The first area in the departments of Norte de Santander and south of Bolívar; the second in the sector of Córdoba, Antioquia and Chocó; the third area is in Valle del Cauca, Cauca and Nariño; another area in Putumayo and Amazonas; and the fifth in the east of the country, Vichada and Guainía," says Col. Carlos Alberto Montenegro, commander of the Brigade against Illegal Mining.
Mercury is one of the main enemies of rivers in the country and it is the element used for the illegal extraction of gold in their waters them. For example, the Atrato River, the third most mobile river in the country, suffers a very serious effect due to the contamination by mercury, but the National Army has been working jointly and in coordination with the other State institutions in the basin of this water tributary, counteracting illegal mining, in compliance with the T-622 ruling of 2016 of the Constitutional Court that recognizes the Atrato River as individual with rights.
In addition, "this year the Mercury Law (Law 1658 of 2013) begins to be applied, starting from next July. It is a law that we believe will benefit us a lot because the importation of this element is practically suspended, especially for its use in all that refers to mineral exploitation. The implementation of this law will generate an increase in the protection of resources ", reports Colonel Montenegro.
However, Colonel says, when these types of laws are generated, illegal groups usually seek other mechanisms to take materials in the country, mainly through contraband. To this end, international issues are being adjusted, especially with Mexico, one of the largest exporters of mercury, and controls are being designed in ports on the importation of this element.
In order to strengthen the fight against this lucrative illicit business and weaken these organized armed groups, the National Army works in conjunction with the National Navy and the Air Force and the National Police. In the same way, inter-agency work with State agencies related to responsibilities for ensuring the country's natural resources protection such as the National Environmental Licenses Authority, the Special Administrative Unit of National Natural Parks, has been conducted.
Source: Brigade against Mining - National Army.
