A Colombian court issued a ruling preventing local steelmaker Acerias Paz del Rio, which is part of Brazilian industrial and steelmaking group Votorantim, from resuming operations at its iron ore mine La Blanca.
Colombian media said local communities have been opposing the company’s iron ore operations at its La Banca mine for about three years, claiming the steelmaker’s activities at the site are drying potable water reservoirs.
Local communities claim that from 1982 to 2002 some 22-30 water reservoirs have disappeared near the steelmaker’s site. As the company’s activities continue, other 10 water sources could also be affected, local residents said.
A Colombian judge has determined Acerias Paz del Rio to stop “any exploration activities” at the mine, since there is “proof” evidencing water resources could be affected due to the company’s iron ore activities.