中文
Operations of Cerrejon, Colombia's second largest coal mine owned by Glencore, have been affected by the blockade of a rail line and the entrance to an export terminal in Media Luna, La Guajira province, the company said on April 5.
The blockade is led by residents from three communities in the area, to win a disproportionate agreement with the miner under a court ruling.
The long-standing disputes between Cerrejon and Wayuu indigenous communities over environmental concerns such as water use, pollution, dust, noise and health issues are at the heart of the blockade.
In 2020, a U.N. Special Rapporteur suggested that the mine should suspend some of its operations due to health and environmental concerns, a request which Cerrejon rejected.
Cerrejon has already signed 302 agreements with nearby communities, including 11 with those in Media Luna, and hopes for government help to lift the blockade. Meanwhile, blockades of roads, the rail line and other Cerrejon facilities are common and have resulted in losses for the company.
Cerrejon's operations have been negatively impacted by the blockade and the company said it is open to dialogue to resolve the dispute with local communities. It remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved and if it will lead to a mutually beneficial agreement.
(Writing by Alex Guo Editing by Emma Yang)
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