Tensions Rise in Jericó Over Mining Dispute: Latest Developments and Controversies

In the municipality of Jericó, tensions continue to rise between those who oppose mining exploitation in this area of southwestern Antioquia and the Quebradona mining company, as well as those who support their actions.

The latest chapter in this ongoing debate unfolded yesterday during a public hearing called by the Jericó Police Inspection as part of the lawsuit involving 61 Jericoanos accused of entering a private property in the La Soledad village on December 13th and removing machinery from the mining company as its officials were preparing to conduct studies near the El Lago property in the same village, which is owned by the Arteaga family with their prior authorization.

It is worth noting that on March 16th, the first hearing took place where the lawyers of the accused individuals sought to have the legal dispute annulled. However, the inspector insisted that the process must continue. Following the official’s decision, tensions escalated at the Santamaría Theater in Jericó, with insults being exchanged from both sides.

As the process continued, controversies arose. Prior to the hearing, environmental groups held marches to show their support for the accused farmers. Even Deputy Juan David Muñoz, nephew of the controversial ambassador in Nicaragua León Fredy Muñoz, was present.

At the theater, a decision by the inspector sparked controversy as he prohibited the recording of the hearing and the presence of media outlets.

The hearing proceeded until the defense of the farmers requested the disqualification of the Jericó Police Inspector, claiming that he does not provide guarantees for due process. They supported their disqualification on the fact that the farmers had notified the same official on December 7th that the mining company intended to install a platform in La Soledad, which was only dismantled due to the farmers’ actions.

As a result of this situation, the inspector once again suspended the proceedings, and now the decision to replace the inspector or keep the current one in the process falls on Mayor Sebastián Garcés.

The decision was celebrated by the accused individuals, while the mining company rejected the harassment they claimed their employees faced outside the Santamaría Theater after the hearing was suspended.

This latest chapter further divides not only the municipality of Jericó but also the entire southwestern region, which will soon have to decide between the purported benefits that mining will bring to the area or maintaining its economy and society based on agriculture and the richness of its ecosystem.

In the midst of these tensions, it is important to remember that Jericó is also home to the Milagrosa Single Estate, where premium specialty coffee is produced. The ideal conditions at an altitude of 2000 meters result in sweet and delicious coffee beans, reflecting the unique and high-quality products that come from this region.