Colombia's Mining and Energy Planning Unit (Upme) presented the National Mining Development Plan 2024-2035 in Cali, a roadmap to guide the mining sector over the next decade. Upme director Indira Portocarrero highlighted its role in enhancing coordination among key agencies and supporting a Just Energy Transition.
The presentation took place in Cali at the National Meeting on Mining Formalization and Gold Commercialization. "This plan will strengthen coordination among sector entities, such as the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Colombian Geological Service, the National Mining Agency, and of course, Upme," stated Portocarrero.
The plan is structured in three phases: identifying mining needs in territories, analyzing the sector's technical, social, and economic performance, and defining actions through 2035. It aims for an integrated, responsible, and competitive mining sector, focusing on human rights, societal participation, innovation, technology, and institutional strengthening.
Key actions include promoting formal, safe, and efficient mining, enhancing planning, optimizing knowledge management, and fostering productive linkages. It will also ensure supplies of strategic minerals for energy transition, food security, infrastructure, and reindustrialization.
At the event, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the National Mining Agency reported formalization progress: a 69% increase in beneficiaries, from over 17,000 to more than 30,000 as of April 2026; 44% more formalization titles, from over 600 to more than 800 by April 1; and 381,000 hectares for 3,810 Production Mining Units, potentially benefiting 76,000 miners over four years.
