Historically, have had different property titles. In principle, and obviously, before colonisation, the mines belonged to the indigenous natives who occupied the territory. These indigenous inhabitants are said to have exploited the known mines for over a thousand years, taking advantage of their wealth to adorn their temples, grant them mystical powers and meanings, and of course, please their leaders.
Then came the Spanish conquest, and with it a change of owner, now they would become part of the possessions of the Royal Crown until 1810, at which time the declaration of independence gave these mines ownership to the government of the New Granada.
By 1979, two companies became part of the mining exploitation process and began to privatise the emerald business. These companies were Tecminas in the Muzo region and Esmeracol S.A. in the town of Coscuez.
But what are they and where are they?
These precious gems from which stunning engagement rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and brooches are made in all possible designs, are found in two main mining districts, Muzo and Chivor.
Muzo has 360 square kilometres in length and is located at a distance of approximately 100 kilometres from the Colombian capital, Bogotá. In this district, we find the “MINA MTC”, the largest and most important in the country.
This mine, which today is directed by the Mexican engineer Carlos Contreras, has had to go through great challenges throughout its history, among which are important challenges such as surviving the “Green War” between drug trafficking cartels and the imperative need for Tech improvements and modernisation for the sustainability of the production demand that characterises the most relevant mine in the country.
Currently, the Muzo MTC MINE has a wide ramp through which mechanised equipment, cargo trucks and other technologies circulate to extract the material and bring it to the surface. An infrastructure that allows miners to reach more than 300 meters deep.
For its part, in the Chivor district, at high altitude and about 75 kilometres northwest of the capital, we find the mines “CHIVOR”, “BUENA VISTA” and “LAS VEGAS DE SAN JUAN or MINE OF GACHALÁ”. These mines are in difficult terrain due to their difficult access, covered with very thick and cloudy forests.
The “CHIVOR” mine is the only private mine in Colombia, while “BUENA VISTA” and “GACHALÁ” operate under the figure of a loan with the State.
Have you visited a mine in the magical land of emeralds? Tell us in the comments.
