Destruction in Santurbán: SEMANA reveals the file and photographs of the disaster that the government did not stop
The article discusses the environmental destruction in the Santurbán páramo, a significant ecological area in Colombia, which was neglected by President Gustavo Petro's administration despite his emphasis on ecosystem protection. Documents and photographs obtained by SEMANA show how illegal mining has taken over the Angosturas area in the municipality of California, Santander, causing severe damage to natural resources. Despite the national government identifying the problem, it failed to implement decisions made by environmental authorities to address the issue. The article references Resolution 002842 from December 20, 2024, issued by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (Anla), which outlined the extent of the illegal mining and required actions to protect the ecosystem. These measures were reportedly ignored by all involved parties. The mining project began in 1997 under a management plan approved by the regional autonomous corporation, but in 2024, authorities discovered that the company had not properly closed the structures as required, allowing them to be used for illegal mining activities.
The páramo of Santurbán, one of the most ecologically significant regions in South America, has suffered extensive damage due to illegal mining activities, according to documents and photographs obtained by SEMANA. The revelations expose how the government under President Gustavo Petro failed to enforce environmental protections despite making them a central part of its policy agenda. These findings were made public through files held by the Ministry of Environment and the National Environmental Licensing Authority (Anla). The documents reveal that illegal mining operations have taken over the area known as Vereda Angosturas within the municipality of California, Santander. The destruction has caused severe harm to natural resources. Despite the national government identifying this issue, it did not implement the necessary measures to halt these illegal activities. According to information provided by the Ministry of Environment, all parties involved in the process ignored the orders issued by environmental authorities. The core of the evidence comes from Resolution 002842, dated December 20, 2024, in which the Anla outlined the severity of illegal mining in the region and issued several directives aimed at protecting the ecosystem. However, these instructions were not followed by any of the entities involved in the process, according to data shared with SEMANA. Resolution 002842 detailed the damage found in Angosturas and the actions required to address it. It highlighted the extent of the problem and called for immediate intervention. The resolution was based on inspections that revealed the ongoing illegal mining activity, including open tunnels and unauthorized structures used for extracting precious metals. The history of the mining project in Angosturas dates back to July 4, 1997, when the Regional Corporation for the Defense of the Bucaramanga Plateau established an environmental management plan for the project proposed by Greystar Resources Ltd. (now Eco Oro Minerals Corp. Colombia branch). This initiative aimed at gold and silver extraction in the area. In 2019, the company withdrew from the contract and submitted a closure plan, outlining the dismantling and abandonment of the site. However, during a review of the same plan in 2024, officials discovered that the company had not properly closed the structures as required by law. Instead, these sites were repurposed for illegal mining by individuals, leading to unprecedented damage in the Santurbán páramo. Authorities found that former mining areas were being reused for metal extraction. They documented that tunnels remained open without restrictions, allowing access. In one structure, multiple electrical wires were observed, indicating human presence underground engaged in mining activities. During inspections, officials noted open structures and signs of people working beneath the surface. One section of the file stated: "It was evident that unknown individuals have been conducting unauthorized mining activities, related to the existence of tunnels in the area, situations affecting the environment, natural resources, landscape, ecosystems, and/or human health." Photographs show the illegal mining operations taking place in the jurisdiction of California, Santander. In total, 52 unauthorized mining points were identified within the water catchment area of the Angosturas and Páez streams.
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The article discusses the environmental destruction in the Santurbán páramo, a significant ecological area in Colombia, which was neglected by President Gustavo Petro's administration despite his emphasis on ecosystem protection. Documents and photographs obtained by SEMANA show how illegal mining has taken over the Angosturas area in the municipality of California, Santander, causing severe damage to natural resources. Despite the national government identifying the problem, it failed to implement decisions made by environmental authorities to address the issue. The article references Resolution 002842 from December 20, 2024, issued by the National Environmental Licensing Authority (Anla), which outlined the extent of the illegal mining and required actions to protect the ecosystem. These measures were reportedly ignored by all involved parties. The mining project began in 1997 under a management plan approved by the regional autonomous corporation, but in 2024, authorities discovered that the company had not properly closed the structures as required, allowing them to be used for illegal mining activities.
Bias read (Conservative): The article criticizes the current government led by Gustavo Petro for failing to protect the environment, despite his campaign promises. It highlights the neglect of environmental policies and suggests that the government did not enforce regulations effectively. The tone implies criticism toward a左
Why factuality (65): The article references a specific resolution (Resolución 002842) from December 20, 2024, and claims that the government ignored environmental protections despite them being a priority. It cites documents from the Ministry of Environment and Anla as sources. While these sources are mentioned, there i
Why objectivity (55): The tone leans toward criticism of the Petro administration, using phrases like 'descuidado' and 'no frenó el gobierno.' The article presents the government’s actions as neglectful and highlights the consequences, which suggests a political bias. There is limited effort to present alternative viewpo
La Silla VacíaIndependentCenterFactual 0Objective 09/1/2026
The article discusses a viral video that falsely claimed to show Israeli and American scientists evaluating fracking in Santander, Colombia. Upon investigation, the video was identified as having been filmed on August 6, 2026, in Sonora, Mexico, during a scientific expedition led by researchers. The video was originally posted on Facebook under the account 'Huguito Cabrera,' who confirmed the location and regularly shares hiking content in the area. Additional videos from the same user further clarified that the footage showed a scientific survey, not fracking activities. The misinformation spread after President Abelardo de la Espriella announced plans to resume sustainable fracking, which has sparked controversy. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment revoked a previous decision to declare part of the Santurbán páramo as a protected natural resource, citing procedural issues, but this does not authorize gold mining.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual correction of a misleading video while discussing broader environmental and political issues related to mining and environmental protection. It avoids taking a clear ideological stance on the issue of fracking or mining, instead focusing on clarifying misinformation. S
Why factuality (0): This article discusses a completely unrelated event (a scientific expedition in Mexico) and incorrectly attributes it to Colombia's fracking exploration. It does not reference the primary source document at all and presents false information about a different location and activity. The factual conte
Why objectivity (0): The article is not objective because it spreads misinformation about a different event and frames it as related to Colombia's fracking issue. It lacks neutrality and appears to be part of a broader disinformation campaign.
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