The open-pit coal mines have been temporarily halted after Afro-Colombian and Wayuu Indigenous communities blocked coal railway lines (Photos: 350.org/ Robert Garcia)
Operations at El Cerrejón, one of the world’s largest open-pit coal mines, located in Colombia, have been temporarily halted after Afro-Colombian and Wayuu Indigenous communities blocked coal railway lines demanding accountability from mining company Glencore, says climate advocacy group climate campaign group 350.org.
In a press statement, 350.org says that the blockades began on May 23 in La Guajira, where communities accused the Swiss mining company of causing long-term environmental and social damage through coal extraction activities. The protests forced Glencore to suspend coal operations and enter negotiations with local communities.
The statement adds that the community representatives said they are demanding the return of ancestral lands, environmental restoration, reparations, and labour protection.
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Afro-Colombian and Wayuu indigenous communities barricade the coal train lines of Glencore’s El Cerrejón mine in La Guajira, Colombia
In a statement to the Colombian government, they said mining activities had left their territories polluted and damaged.
The protests have also renewed concerns over the future of La Guajira as the El Cerrejón mine approaches its scheduled closure in 2034. Communities fear the company could leave the region without addressing the environmental impact of decades of mining operations. They are calling for a just transition plan that includes long-term economic and environmental measures for affected residents.
According to the statement, the development comes ahead of Colombia’s presidential runoff election. Campaigners have expressed concern that policies supporting fossil fuel expansion could return if far-right candidate Abelardo de La Espriella wins the election. De La Espriella has publicly supported expanding oil and gas exploration, including fracking.
The protests forced Glencore to suspend coal operations and enter negotiations with local communities
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Climate groups described the temporary shutdown as a major success for local resistance movements and a sign of growing pressure on fossil fuel companies operating in Indigenous and rural territories.
“This is a historic step to make polluters pay. Coal-affected communities deserve long overdue reparations. We will defend this victory and continue to resist until all of the demands are met. We are alarmed with reports that Glencore is pressuring mine workers to vote for the far-right in the upcoming elections. It Is clear that the company sees the elections as an opportunity to continue their dirty practices. We call on presidential candidates to make Glencore pay and continue Colombia’s role in leading a global transition away from fossil fuels. Only then can the people achieve true justice and enjoy their right to clean, affordable energy,” says Helena Mullenbach Martinez,Coordinator, Latin America, 350.org.