Colombia’s top coal producer and one of the top exporting companies in the world Cerrejón (a JV between Anglo American, BHP Billiton and Glencore Xstrata) has said that meeting its 2013 production target of 34 Mt will be difficult after a month long strike earlier this year and guerrilla attacks on its railway. Juan Carlos Restrepo spokesman said “We have had with the strike, blockages and attacks, a number of interruptions to the supply of coal. We are able to recover some of the lost time but with more things happening it gets harder to reach it,” adding that Cerrejón was still optimistic it could still reach its 2013 target, Reuters reported.
Last month, eight representatives of the Board Directors of the Regional Autonomous Corporation of La Guajira – Corpoguajira visited Cerrejón facilities to witness the progress and results of the Company’s environmental management.
During the tour, the officials visited the open pits of Patilla and Oreganal where they had the opportunity to see the fog cannon system in operation, an additional measure recently implemented to mitigate the levels of particulate matter generated by the mining operation. They also visited the reclaimed lands in the backfilling of the Expanded West pit where they praised the work of preparation and rehabilitation of the area.
“The commitment of the company to the region is evident. As an environmental authority we must work hand in hand with Cerrejón looking out that it complies with regulations. These visits help to close our ties,” said representative of ONG ambientales, Harold Mindiola, to the Board of Corpoguajira.
As part of the agenda Cerrejón presented its projects, ensuring transparency of processes and compliance with social and environmental regulations in force.
“This visit confirmed Cerrejón’s compliance with environmental standards. The company shows once again acceptance with all obligations that the corporation has imposed on natural resources management. We reaffirm that what they show is a reality and the information provided is accurate,” said the President’s representative at Corpoguajira Executive Council, Álvaro Gnecco.
Meanwhile Roberto Junguito, President of Cerrejón, discussed their concerns about the company’s processes with the group of officials. “We are committed to monitoring our activities in the region, we work hand in hand and permanently track all permitting processes we must follow to pursue mining responsibly” he said.