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Further clouding who has authority to allow or restrict extractive activities, the Constitutional Court has ruled municipalities have the right to decide whether extractive activities, mining in this specific case, can take place. National authorities and industry associations have expressed concern.

The USO continues with its preparation in different regions ahead of a planned general strike of its large base of affiliates employed by Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC).

The State Council ordered the halt of a citizen referendum on mining activity planned for Ibagué on October 30^th, following an injunction filed by a representative of the Mining and Hydrocarbons Association of Tolima.

The National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) launched a new program as part of its Hydrocarbons Territorial Strategy (ETH) called “Transformational Leader” which looks to establish a new model of conflict management and peace building.

As Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC starts up a new drilling campaign in the Rubiales field, it also looks to leave its mark on the nearby community of Puerto Gaitán and has been meeting with residents and authorities to convince them of the benefits for the local economy. This and other Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stories in our periodic summary.

The executive director of the National Federation of Departments, Amylkar Acosta supported calls from the Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) to President Juan Manuel Santos to reform the General Royalty System, and said it would contribute to neutralizing growing social conflict. This and other royalty related stories in our periodic summary.

Despite the loss of the ‘yes’ vote the USO said it continues to support the peace agreement said that process cannot be undone. The union also called for a “spirit of reconciliation” from the supporters of ‘no’.

The Inspector General’s office issued a statement on the growing trend of public referendums to reject hydrocarbons production at the municipal level, and said that these are costly, the competence of the state and affect investment for social and economic development.

Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) will start its Rubiales field drilling campaign this month with 72 wells planned for the country’s largest producing and recently reverted field.

The Colombian Association of Oil Engineers (ACIPET) signed eight cooperation agreements to enhance labor opportunities for its members, and handed out awards during its 2^nd Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair.