Colombian Mining 101

Every expert was once the newcomer holding the wrong end of the rock hammer. Colombian Mining 101 explains how mining works in Colombia, from the first stream-sediment sample to a working mine, in plain words and with the jargon unpacked as we go.

What we cover

• The stages of a project: grassroots exploration, drilling, resource estimates, studies, permits, construction and production.
• Who’s involved: explorers, producers, governments, communities, contractors and investors.
• Terms to know, such as assays, grade, intercepts, resources and reserves.
• How to read a drill result or a news release without getting dazzled.

Why it helps

Colombian exploration stocks often trade on news that reads like a foreign language: grams per tonne, true width, step-out, infill. Once you know the words, you can tell a meaningful result from a lucky streak, and you can follow a company’s progress with more confidence. These explainers are educational and never point you toward any particular investment.

Next stop, the Geology guide to see what explorers are looking for, or Regions to see where. Then put your new vocabulary to work on the company tracker and our list of Colombian exploration companies. For the rules of the road, see Permits & Licensing.