Dramatic report on the recruitment of minors in Colombia

Illegal mining in southern Bolívar has become the primary financial engine for illegal armed groups, with 70 percent of the gold produced in the region controlled by these groups, according to officials. The situation has escalated into a dangerous conflict, with violence spiking and communities caught in the crossfire. The area, known for its rich deposits in the Serranía de San Lucas, has long been plagued by illicit activities, but recent reports indicate a sharp increase in both scale and intensity. The data from the Colombian Mining Information System reveals that approximately 2.7 tons of gold can be extracted annually across 12 municipalities in this subregion. However, this wealth does not translate into economic development or public revenue. According to Governor Yamil Arana of Bolívar, only 5 percent of the gold mining activity in the south is legal, contributing to regional infrastructure projects through royalties. The remaining 95 percent is controlled by illegal actors, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) dissidents, the “Gulf Clan,” and the National Liberation Army (ELN). Arana highlighted that the illegal mining sector is dominated by these armed groups, which have managed to consolidate their control over the lucrative industry. He noted that while the three main groups, ELN, the Gulf Clan, and FARC dissidents, are locked in a fierce struggle for dominance, other criminal organizations are also vying for a share of the profits. These smaller groups, often composed of artisanal miners, fight for basic livelihoods amid a state that they claim has historically neglected them. The conflict has taken a heavy toll on local communities. Over the past five years, more than two dozen social leaders who had spoken out against the violence have been murdered. Among the victims were Narciso Beleño, killed in April 2024; Teófilo Acuña and Jorge Tafur, members of the Southern Bolívar Dialogue Commission, assassinated in February 2022; Éver Ortega, president of the Community Action Council in Santa Helena, Norosí municipality; and Herminson Rivera and José Obdulio Sánchez, community leaders in Cantagallo, both slain in April 2022. The governor emphasized that the government must work to dismantle this illegal network while simultaneously implementing programs to formalize mining operations. This dual approach would help reduce the influence of armed groups and provide legitimate opportunities for local residents. The situation worsened recently when a group of ELN guerrillas launched a brutal attack on the Police Station in Norosí on August 19, leaving nine officers and one civilian injured. During the assault, children from a public school and nearby residents were caught in the crossfire. The attackers used drones and automatic weapons, demonstrating the technological advantage that illegal groups have gained over law enforcement forces. According to Arana, these groups possess better resources and technology than the national police due to the vast sums of money they receive from controlling the mines. This imbalance has made it increasingly difficult for authorities to maintain order and protect civilians. In response to the escalating crisis, military and environmental agencies have begun seizing illegal equipment, including machinery used in mining operations. These efforts aim to disrupt the supply chains of illegal mining and reduce the ability of armed groups to sustain their activities. However, the challenge remains formidable, with the region’s complex terrain and deep-rooted socio-economic issues complicating any attempt at lasting change.