In pre-Columbian times, mining of gold, silver, copper, emeralds, salt, coal and other minerals was already widespread.
Precious metals as gold,[2] and silver,[3] platinum, nickel and coltan are located in different areas throughout the country.
[6] Copper said to have been produced during colonial and later times apparently came from small shoots which may have been worked primarily for their gold content.
[7] The largest gold mine in Colombia is scheduled to start operations in Buriticá, Antioquia.
[8][9] Frequently, there are conflicts between the potential mining activities and the indigenous communities in the country, especially in the eastern, sparsely populated departments of Vichada, Guanía, Guaviare and Vaupés.