The Ballot Box Threatens to Undermine Mineral Extraction in Colombia

A spate of local referendums may eventually make international mining and oil companies wary of Colombia as an investment destination. Over the past several months, local residents across the country have -- often successfully -- organized and held referendums to halt oil exploration and the construction of mines. The most notable such referendum occurred on March 26 in Cajamarca, Tolima department. In that referendum, 98 percent of voters cast their ballots against a gold mine planned by South African multinational AngloGold Ashanti, leading the company to halt work....