Colombia is currently experiencing a mining boom, especially in the extraction of coal, becoming the 9th largest exporter of steam coal in the world. However, despite having the support of the government, many of these mining operations have been accompanied by several environmental conflicts, with one of the main issues being (the availability/access to/contamination of) water.
Researcher Justin Dupre-Harbord has prepared a policy briefing on mining and water in La Guajira, available at the link below.
The Cerrejón coal mine is owned by London-listed multinationals Anglo American, BHP and Glencore.
Policy Brief-Mining and water in La Guajira-Justin Dupre-Harbord-2017