Aris Mining Corporation Announces Temporary Suspension of Environmental Licenses in Santurbán, Colombia
VANCOUVER, BC, March 5, 2025 – Aris Mining Corporation (Aris Mining or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Colombian Ministry of Environment (MINAMBIENTE) has completed the public consultation process regarding the establishment of a Temporary Reserve Area (TRA) in the Santurbán region of the Santander Department. This region is where Aris Mining’s Soto Norte Project is located.
The Public Consultation Process
The consultation process began in November 2024, and it aimed to gather public opinion on the proposed TRA. The Ministry of Environment conducted various meetings, workshops, and public hearings to discuss the potential environmental impact of the Soto Norte Project. The process also allowed for the submission of written comments and concerns from local communities and stakeholders.
The Temporary Reserve Area and Its Implications
Effective March 4, 2025, the resolution allows the Ministry of Environment to evaluate water resources in the area and temporarily suspend the issuance of environmental licenses for two years. This means that Aris Mining’s planned mining activities at the Soto Norte Project will be on hold during this period.
Impact on Aris Mining
For Aris Mining, this temporary suspension may result in delays and additional costs. The Company will need to adjust its operations and timeline to account for the two-year moratorium. Aris Mining will continue to engage with the Ministry of Environment and other stakeholders to ensure that the evaluation process is conducted in a transparent and efficient manner.
- Delayed project timeline: The two-year moratorium will push back the project’s start date, potentially impacting production schedules and revenue projections.
- Additional costs: The Company may incur additional costs related to maintaining the project site and engaging with stakeholders during the evaluation period.
- Continued engagement with stakeholders: Aris Mining will need to maintain open lines of communication with local communities and other stakeholders to address concerns and ensure a smooth transition once the evaluation process is complete.
Impact on the World
Beyond Aris Mining, the temporary suspension of environmental licenses in the Santurbán region may have broader implications. This decision highlights the increasing importance of environmental considerations in mining projects and the role of public consultation in shaping mining policies.
- Heightened importance of environmental considerations: The TRA and the public consultation process demonstrate the growing importance of environmental concerns in mining projects. This trend is likely to continue as public pressure for sustainable mining practices increases.
- Greater emphasis on stakeholder engagement: The consultation process underscores the need for mining companies to engage with local communities and stakeholders to address concerns and build trust. This approach can help mitigate potential conflicts and ensure a smoother project implementation.
Conclusion
Aris Mining Corporation’s announcement of a temporary suspension of environmental licenses in the Santurbán region of Colombia marks a significant development in the mining industry. This decision highlights the importance of environmental considerations and stakeholder engagement in mining projects. Aris Mining will need to adapt to the new circumstances and continue engaging with stakeholders to ensure a successful outcome once the evaluation process is complete. Meanwhile, the broader implications of this development are likely to shape mining policies and practices in the future.
As a responsible and sustainable mining company, Aris Mining remains committed to working with the Colombian government and local communities to ensure the responsible development of its projects. We believe that this approach will ultimately lead to a stronger, more resilient mining sector that benefits all stakeholders involved.
