Illicit Gold Exploitation in Colombia Reaches 118,410 Hectares in 2025
- Reports
- 3
- Developments
- 1
- Repetition
- 67%
New informationRepeats or wire copies
What happened
In 2025, 118,410 hectares of land in Colombia were exploited for alluvial gold, according to a study from the Colombian government and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Seventy-five per cent of this activity is illicit, while 21 per cent has technical or environmental permits. The area with evidence of alluvial gold exploitation increased from 105,060 hectares in 2023 to 118,410 hectares in 2025.
From venezuelastar.com
Why it matters
The report indicates that 82 per cent of illicit exploitation is concentrated in Chocó Department, Antioquia, and Bolivar. This sustained growth in illicit activity raises macroeconomic risk and instability across the affected regions.
From venezuelastar.com
Who's involved
- ColombiaThe country where the alluvial gold exploitation is occurring.
- AntioquiaA department within Colombia where illicit gold exploitation is concentrated.
- BolivarA department within Colombia where illicit gold exploitation is concentrated.
- El BagreA municipality in Antioquia where illicit gold exploitation is concentrated.
- Chocó DepartmentA department within Colombia where illicit gold exploitation is concentrated.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.