Mineros: When Gold Shapes More Than a Mine — A Community

I don’t claim to be an expert in the mining industry — in fact, I have no technical background in the field. Before visiting a gold mine like Mineros for the first time, I held several preconceptions: gold mining is often illegal and dangerous, it damages the environment, fuels conflict, and imposes harsh working conditions...

And yet, this on-site visit to Mineros’ operations in Colombia opened my eyes to a very different reality. Located in the Bajo Cauca Antioqueño region, around 300 km northeast of Medellín, Mineros' mining activity is based on a unique alluvial model, using suction and bucket dredges to extract gold from the sediments of the Nechí River.

The sense of solidarity among the workers, the mutual respect between teams, and the visible pride in their work all reveal a company culture that goes far beyond mere industrial output. This isn’t just a place of extraction — it feels like a shared endeavor, rooted in the land and the lives of those who inhabit it.

Juan, my guide for the day, confirmed it without hesitation: here, everyone knows each other, and teamwork is a core value. But this sense of cohesion extends well beyond the professional sphere. The company has implemented numerous social programs aimed at supporting local communities, with initiatives focused on education, vocational training, and economic inclusion.