Cerrejón's Pledge to Long-Term Ecosystem Sustainability and Local Biodiversity

From the very outset of its operations, Cerrejón has undertaken a pioneering program that sets it apart in Colombia. This program focuses on the rehabilitation of lands previously subjected to open-pit mining, coupled with the reforestation of these areas with native species from the tropical dry forest. Since 1990, Cerrejón has rehabilitated over 5,000 hectares of land previously affected by open-pit mining, achieving almost 90% rehabilitation of mining-affected areas.

The process commences well before mining operations advance, encompassing soil recognition and fauna relocation. It further involves the preservation of soils, where the organic layer is removed and stored. Upon the completion of mining operations, this layer is utilized to rehabilitate the intervened lands.

Crucially, Cerrejón collaborates with local communities in this endeavor. Through knowledge sharing, the company ensures the execution of restoration processes, strengthening of the communities' productive capacities, and the creation of income opportunities derived from forest sustainability practices. This holistic approach extends to promoting local ownership of ecosystem care and health.

A key aspect of the rehabilitation programs and Cerrejón's vision for the next decade is the creation of the largest network of Community Nurseries in La Guajira. As part of this initiative, the company has taken active steps to strengthen the technical and entrepreneurial skills of neighboring communities, who grow native tropical dry forest seedlings which are later used in the reforestation process. This initiative has generated more than 500 jobs for community members, making a significant contribution to the recovery and conservation of the region's forests, rivers, and streams. Moreover, it has facilitated the return of wild species like the jaguar, cauquero deer, honey bear, ocelot, morrocoy turtle, and identified over 600 species of fauna in the Valley of the Ranchería River.

In addition to cultivating the native seedlings, some of which fall into threatened categories, such as ollita de mono, carreto, guayacán de bola, ébano, and caracolí; over 130 members of the communities of the Provincial Indigenous Reservation, La Horqueta, Coveñas, Cerrejón 1 and Campo Herrera have also joined hands with Cerrejón to plant over 3 million trees, restoring over 4,780 hectares of land with 65 different species of native plants since the inception of the rehabilitation program.

It is worth highlighting that the last year has witnessed a substantial increase in tree production, with more than 725,000 native specimens grown in 2023 alone. This boost is geared towards enhancing the biological corridor Wuin Manna, spanning 25,000 hectares and connecting the strategic ecosystems of the Serranía del Perijá and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, two critical ecosystems for the Caribbean region in Colombia.

This milestone is the result of over three decades of dedication and research. And the efforts to seek a harmonious balance between mining activities and the preservation of the ecosystems in which they operate.

Cerrejón's proactive efforts have not gone unnoticed. The company's dedication to responsible mining practices led to its recognition as the only mining company in the top 100 according to Merco Empresas y Líderes in 2022. It also earned the distinction of being the first mining company acknowledged for its good practices, as per Brújula Minera. The cherry on top was the prestigious BIBO award from El Espectador in the "Nature in a Positive Light" category, which recognized the establishment of a network of community nurseries aimed at promoting the restoration and conservation of the ecosystem. This achievement was received in collaboration with community associations such as ALCEBA, Awavichor, Provincial, and AGUAPACEBA.

Cerrejón's work highlights the profound importance of engaging local communities and families in the quest for the long-term sustainability of recovering ecosystems. It underscores the company's commitment to promoting income generation and sustainable economies aligned with forest conservation, thus ensuring the continued health and vitality of the region's ecosystems.