Australian businesses continue to be a strong force in Colombia’s mining sector, contributing innovation, sustainability, and responsible practices to one of the country’s most important industries. This presence was highlighted at the recent Congreso Nacional de Minería 2025 in Cartagena, where Orica sponsored a special reception with Australian Ambassador Anna Chrisp, alongside key mining stakeholders and clients.
The dinner, held on 27 August, set the stage for two days of significant conversations about the future of mining in Colombia. Ambassador Chrisp reflected on the importance of collaboration between the two nations, stating:
“Collaboration between Colombian and Australian companies has resulted in well-managed mining, becoming an engine of opportunities for communities and development. When companies work together and share standards, they enable innovation and strengthen trust with communities and governments.”
She also highlighted how Australian companies in Colombia have adapted successfully to the local context, generating employment, supporting regional development, and strengthening value chains, while celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of diplomatic relations between Australia and Colombia.
For Orica and other Australian companies present, the Congreso was an opportunity to reaffirm a shared commitment to sustainable mining. Key themes such as energy transition, legal certainty, territorial and environmental management, and gender inclusion resonated strongly with Australian values and business practices.
Highlights of the Congreso included the signing of an agreement between the Asociación Colombiana de Minería (ACM) and the Federación Colombiana de Municipios to strengthen territorial and environmental governance, and the launch of the first Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Intervention Protocol in the mining sector. Both initiatives demonstrate the sector’s drive to create inclusive, safe, and sustainable environments for the future.
The presentation of the Brújula Minera 2025 further emphasized the importance of reputation, community trust, and responsible operations, aligning with the high standards that Australian mining companies bring to their international partnerships.
For the Australia Colombia Business Council (ACBC), the Congreso highlighted not only the depth of collaboration between both countries but also the opportunity to build on 50 years of strong diplomatic ties. Australian innovation, technology, and expertise in environmental monitoring and energy efficiency continue to play a pivotal role in advancing Colombia’s mining capacity, particularly in the production of critical minerals and in shaping a socially and environmentally sustainable future.
The ACBC celebrates the leadership of Orica and the contributions of all Australian companies in Colombia’s mining sector. Together, these partnerships are creating opportunities, building trust, and driving innovation for a responsible and sustainable mining industry.