Four blockades on the railway line and three at the mine affect Cerrejón operations in La Guajira

Cerrejón is once again affected by blockades carried out by neighboring communities and that are affecting the normal operation of the railway line and the coal mine, located in La Guajira.

Specifically, There are three blockades within the mine facilities and four on the railway line, which prevent the entry and exit of personnel to the Annex, Tajo 100 and Oreganal work fronts.

Besides, The transportation of coal from the mine to Puerto Bolívar is being affected, the arrival of essential supplies for the operation and mobilization of the train that delivers water to neighboring communities.

According to Luis Marulanda, vice president of Public Affairs and Communications at Cerrejón, The blockades on the railway line are carried out by leaders of the municipalities of Uribia and Manaure, who demand solutions to the constant failures in the energy supply.

However, the company clarified that the solution to this problem is not in the hands of Cerrejón but exclusively in the National Government.

As for the blockades to mining operations, They are being led by a community that demands to be included in the prior consultations and social programs carried out by the company.

In this regard, the vice president of Public Affairs and Communications comments that two rulings by judges of the Republic have determined that this community should not be part of the consultations carried out by the company.

“We reiterate our commitment and willingness so that, jointly with government entities and communities, spaces for dialogue, consultation and collective construction are generated, which allow solving the problems of the communities, without resorting to actual means, which not only put the company’s operations at risk, but the normal development of the communities and the region,” he said.

With the constant blockades to the Cerrejón operation in La Guajira More than 12,500 workers and approximately 164 communities that are supplied with drinking water are directly affected.

Additionally, Cerrejón assured that the company’s ability to advance its social investment projects and continue to be an important player in the economy of La Guajira and the country is affected.