Social dialogue
At Cerrejón we work on the responsible management of the impacts generated by our operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and laws. Through regular and respectful social dialogue with our communities and stakeholders, we actively work to comply with prior consultation processes, ensuring that the uses and customs of each of them are respected.
Compliance with Constitutional Court Ruling T-704
Since 2016, in line with the T-704 ruling by the Constitutional Court, Cerrejón has implemented a mitigation plan focused on the communities within the area of influence, aimed at consulting and negotiating necessary compensations. This process has become a valuable opportunity to strengthen our relationships and contribute to the sustainability of the region.
We have a dedicated team to carry out this consultation exercise, which is of unprecedented magnitude in Colombia. By the end of 2024, we reached agreements with 401 out of a total of over 450 Indigenous communities located around the region.
The initiatives promoted by Cerrejón focus on key areas such as income generation, cultural strengthening, community infrastructure, and infrastructure solutions for water, education, and basic sanitation.
These actions are designed to have a positive and sustainable impact on the communities near our operations, aligning with their needs and priorities.
Prior Consultation for the Power Transmission Line
We are moving forward with the consultation process related to the private power transmission line that supplies energy to Cerrejón’s operations in La Guajira. This process involves 142 communities from the municipalities of Albania, Maicao, Manaure, and Uribia, with whom an independent and participatory space has been created to discuss the impacts and compensation measures associated with the operation and maintenance of the transmission line.
This line, installed in the 1980s, extends from the Cuestecitas substation in Albania to Puerto Bolívar in Uribia. Although it was built before the current legislation on prior consultation with ethnic communities existed, at the time the execution of the project was agreed upon with the communities. However, over time new circumstances arose that required renewed spaces for dialogue.
Transparency and Support in Consultation Processes
The consultation processes are carried out with the accompaniment of local, national, and oversight guarantors (Ministry of the Interior, Environmental Licensing Authority, Corpoguajira, mayors, governor, among others),, supporting transparency and respect for the rights of the communities. Furthermore, participating communities are advised by Indigenous organizations and independent lawyers, chosen by them, to ensure their interests are properly represented and defended.