The Mining Energy Planning Unit (UPME) is opening spaces for dialogue with communities, businesspersons and other parties related to the mining sector. The aim is to create a “Mining Development Plan” that includes everyone. HCC was present at the event.
Even with its environmental licenses approved and delivered, Hocol is facing stiff resistance from communities in La Macarena, Meta which accuse the firm of downplaying its project and putting water resources at risk.
The president of the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) Orlando Velandia said that fracking is an alternative technology that can be used once a resource has been discovered, but insisted that no fracking projects have been approved in Colombia.
Both the Minister of Mines and Energy Germán Arce and Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) president Juan Carlos Echeverry were present at the IX installment of the Barrancabermeja Oil Congress, “Beyond Oil”. Both also praised the operation in the city and its refinery, but Echeverry was clear no modernization is planned.
Despite questions on the competence of municipalities to decide on the use of their subsoil through “popular consultations”, a number of communities are still moving forward with plans to hold a vote, or resorting to blockades.
Members of both the senate and chamber of representatives are calling for answers from Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) on supply issues experienced across the country, and on an imminent cut of subsidies for the service which will affect low income users.
The National Agency of Environmental Licenses (ANLA) heralded its role in its annual 2016 account rendering session, and promised greater measures for citizens to participate early on in the formation of projects.
The palm growing sector which sources most of the raw material to refine biodiesel is close to “receiving its death certificate”, according to the Jens Mesa, the president of the association which represents the sector, Fedepalma,
The Minister of Mines and energy German Arce made a call to keep the oil industry healthy and competitive during a presentation given at the International Forum of Regulatory Agencies 2016.
The Colombian Petroleum Association (ACP) said that authorities should allow greater fuel imports to serve national supply during production and distribution problems from infrastructure issues and strikes.