Aris Mining's Sustainable Shift: Navigating Colombia's Environmental Resolutions

Aris Mining Corporation, a prominent gold producer in Latin America, recently announced a significant development in Colombia. The Colombian Ministry of Environment has proposed a 20-day public consultation on a draft resolution to establish a Temporary Reserve Area (TRA) in the Santurbán region, where Aris Mining's Soto Norte Project is located. This resolution aims to facilitate assessment of water resources and temporarily suspend the issuance of new environmental licenses for two years in the area.

Neil Woodyer, CEO of Aris Mining, emphasized the company's commitment to moving forward with environmental and technical studies focused on a redesigned, smaller-scale version of the Soto Norte Project, scheduled for completion by mid-2025. This new approach includes minimized mining operations and processing facilities, aiming to lessen the environmental footprint and enhance support for local small-scale miners. Notably, existing operations at Segovia, Marmato Mine, and the Lower Mine Project are not impacted by the TRA proposal, as they are located outside the designated study area.

Aris Mining's partnerships with small-scale miners have yielded positive community and environmental outcomes. The company has garnered strong local support for its revised Soto Norte Project, which seeks to address the environmental impacts of informal mining practices while promoting community development. With a production target of approximately 500,000 ounces of gold per year following expansions at Segovia and Marmato, Aris Mining continues to pursue growth opportunities in the region. The proposed TRA aligns with the company’s efforts to adhere to environmental standards, aiming to foster sustainable mining practices as they seek regulatory approval for their development plan.


The proposed TRA may have significant implications for Aris Mining's partnerships with local small-scale miners at the Soto Norte Project. While the TRA aims to assess water resources and temporarily suspend new environmental licenses, it may cause delays in the development of the Soto Norte Project. However, Aris Mining's commitment to a smaller-scale, more sustainable mining model could align with the TRA's objectives, potentially strengthening its partnerships with local miners. Aris Mining's existing partnerships have delivered tangible community and environmental benefits, which could be enhanced if the company can demonstrate compliance with Colombian and international environmental standards. The TRA could present an opportunity for Aris Mining to further emphasize its commitment to responsible mining practices and community development, potentially attracting more investment and support.


In conclusion, Aris Mining's commitment to sustainable mining practices and community development aligns with the proposed TRA in Colombia. By adopting a smaller-scale approach to the Soto Norte Project and prioritizing environmental protection, Aris Mining can strengthen its reputation, secure regulatory approval, and continue its growth trajectory in the region. As the mining industry evolves to prioritize sustainability and responsibility, companies like Aris Mining will be well-positioned to lead the way forward.