Member Article

The Ministry of Mines and Energy, through Resolution 40115 of 2020, extended until December 31, 2020 the delegation of the inspection function carried out by the department of Antioquia. On the other hand, the Secretary of Mines of Antioquia extended the suspension of some administrative actions until April 13, 2020.

Regarding Resolution 40115 of 2020, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, as the entity in charge of overseeing and inspect the exploration and exploitation of deposits, directly or by the entity it delegates, has the power to delegate this function. Since 2012, such ministry has delegated the power of inspection to the department of Antioquia.

The inspection function of the department of Antioquia would end on March 31, 2020, based on Resolution 40906 of 2019 of the Ministry of Mines and Energy. However, the department of Antioquia requested the aforementioned ministry to extend this function, pointing out, among other aspects, the department's history and its historical vocation to contribute positively to the mining industry.

Thus, by means of the Resolution 40115 of 2020, the Ministry of Mines and Energy, taking into account the convenience, opportunity and background mentioned, extended the inspection function of the department of Antioquia, which, at the head of the Antioquia’s Secretary of Mines, will have until December 31, 2020 to carry out this task.

SEE RESOLUTION 40115 OF2020

Regarding the second decision, published in Resolution 2020060009204 of 2020 by which the Secretary of Mines of Antioquia extends the suspension of some of its administrative activities until April 13, 2020 due to the global health contingency, it is important to emphasize that the suspension is maintained, specifically for:

1. The terms of the administrative proceedings initiated before the Secretary of Mines of Antioquia, and the terms of the titleholders, applicants and proponents to comply with the technical and legal requirements raised by the mining authority, as well as to file appeals, if applicable;
2. The proceedings and procedures for administrative protection, as well as other proceedings and field visits that this secretary must carry out in the exercise of its functions;
3. The attention to the public.
   
   

This measure exempts compliance with obligations related to the payment of royalties, surface fees and other economic considerations, the constitution of mining environmental policies and compliance with regulations and requirements related to safety and hygiene in mining activities.

Likewise, the Secretary of Mines states that it will maintain its virtual channels of communication for the establishment of PQRS, specifically, the e-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected].

SEE RESOLUTION 2020060009204 OF2020.