Cerrejón works on developing of initiatives that promote access to water in the communities.

La Guajira, where Cerrejón operates, is a water-stressed region of Colombia, and water is of great value for local livelihoods. In partnership with local communities and environmental authorities, Cerrejón works on developing the development of short-, medium- and long-term initiatives that promote access to water in the communities surrounding its operation, basing solutions on the characteristics of the territory and uses, customs and needs.

In 2022 we invested over US$2,6 Million in projects to enhance access to water through humanitarian and sustainable projects that include building water infrastructure, repair of pumping systems, delivery of water for human consumption, and accessing water for livelihood projects, among others.  To date, US$1.2 million has been invested, including investments in infrastructure, pipelines, connections to the aqueduct, desalination modules, among others.

In 2022 we distributed 42 million liters of water to neighbor communities and in 2023 (Jan-June) we have already distributed over 27 million liters benefiting 163 communities and more than 2,000 families in areas close to the mine, railway line, and the port.  Since the inception of the Water Train initiative in 2014, the company has delivered over 278 million liters of potable water. For these deliveries, the company utilizes a locomotive, two tanker wagons with a capacity of 80,000 liters each, and five tanker trucks that supply the benefiting communities.

"We thank Cerrejón for this valuable benefit to our community and our families. The water is delivered every 15 days and we use it for drinking, cooking, and sharing among the 30 families in this community. Thanks to God, it's a help and we are very grateful for this benefit they bring us," mentioned Naciria Sapuana, leader of the Sapaloü community and beneficiary.

The water supplied to the train comes from the company's treatment plants. The water delivered near the mine and along the railway line comes from the potable water treatment plant within Cerrejón's operation in the municipality of Albania. Meanwhile, 100% of the water delivered in the Alta Guajira region is obtained from the desalination plant located in Puerto Bolívar.

"These deliveries are vital for us. Cerrejón is so committed to its communities that we allocate specific equipment for this initiative: the locomotive, tanker wagons, and tanker trucks are exclusively used for this project because we understand the importance of providing our neighbors with this essential resource. That's why we call on everyone not to block the railway line, as when the train cannot run, it affects the amount of water we can deliver to the communities," stated Juan Carlos García Otero, Social Affairs Manager at Cerrejón.

Additionally, as part of the Environmental Education and Training Program within Cerrejón's Environmental Management Plan, communities neighboring the railway line and Puerto Bolívar have been trained in the efficient use of water and basic sanitation throughout 2023. These workshops primarily target communities with intermittent water solutions or those benefitting from Cerrejón's efforts.

This initiative contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goals 6: Clean Water and Sanitation, and 10: Reduced Inequalities, aiming to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water, achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water, and reducing inequality within and among regions.