Celebrating Five Years of Partnership: Colombia’s Government and Zijin Continental Gold Advance Mining Formalization in Buriticá through Collaborative Dialogue
Buriticá, Antioquia – December 9, 2025
The Colombian government marked five years of work with Zijin Continental Gold in mining at Buriticá, one of Antioquia’s main mining areas. Local officials met with public security teams. They shared a single goal: to back legal mining that cares for the community.
During the event, Vice Minister of Mines Sorrel Aroca spoke about the alliance’s help for local people. She stressed that the government keeps its focus on mining that aids local growth. “We mark five years of Zijin Continental Gold working with our people. Our government stands with communities and sees a fair future ahead,” she said.
Promoting “Social Gold”: Distinguishing Legal Mining from Illicit Extraction
A key subject was the idea of “social gold.” The government set this idea to show the difference between legal extraction and illegal mining. Ms. Aroca explained that social gold comes directly from Antioquia’s soil. It brings benefits to people and care to the land. She praised the security teams. They work day and night to stop illegal mining that hurts local jobs and the environment. This view treats mining as a base for building secure futures.
Launching a Dialogue Table to Formalize Small-Scale Mining
The Vice Minister then announced a meeting scheduled for December 12. Small miner groups had asked for this talk. Local leaders in Buriticá will lead the meeting. They join with state and national offices, including the Antioquia Governor’s Office. The talk starts legal steps for small miners. “We must speak with each other. No road has been closed,” said Aroca. She stressed that open talk and team effort are needed. The plan invites mining companies to join with local trades such as farming. These extra jobs help keep peace and support growth in Buriticá.
A Model for Other Mining Communities Across Colombia
Ms. Aroca hoped Buriticá would serve as a guide for other areas. “We want to build a deal where we work as one. This work can guide other places to change. Together, we can blend old mining with new ideas and fair energy shifts,” she said. The approach mixes mining with new work ideas that put people first. This mix fits with Colombia’s changing economy.
This celebration and new talk show Colombia updating its mining sector. The country uses clear work rules and social steps to build honest, connected economic work that cares for life. The Ministry of Mines and Energy welcomes public talk and news on mining and energy work.
Contact Information:
Ministry of Mines and Energy, Colombia
Calle 43 No. 57 – 31 – Centro Administrativo Nacional, Bogotá D.C.
Phone: +60 1 2200 300 / Toll-Free: 01-8000-910-180
Email: [email protected]
Follow on social media: @MinEnergiaCo (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
