The Corporación Autónoma Regional del Valle del Cauca (CVC) identified evidence of mechanized illegal mining in the La García sector of the Dagua River, in rural Buenaventura, following a citizen complaint. No active operations were found, but recent traces of heavy machinery and environmental alterations were evident. The agency notified Buenaventura's District Mayor's Office and plans to coordinate actions with authorities.
CVC officials conducted a technical visit on the left bank of the Dagua River in the La García sector, along the Buenaventura-Lobogurrero road. Triggered by a recent citizen complaint, the inspection uncovered removal of alluvial material, excavations, and alterations near the riverbed consistent with unauthorized extractive activities.
Traces of backhoes and washing equipment were found, pointing to recent interventions. No mining title is registered in the National Mining Registry, and no environmental management instruments exist, breaching current regulations per the technical report.
The CVC referred the case to Buenaventura's District Mayor's Office as per the Mining Code and will present the report at the next mining roundtable to coordinate with competent authorities. Public order conditions in the area limit permanent controls, necessitating support from the Public Force for future operations.
