Colombia Rejects AngloGold’s Request to Suspend Quebradona Copper-Gold Project

AngloGold’s Regulatory Setback: The Future of the Quebradona Copper-Gold Project

Colombia’s National Mining Agency (ANM) recently dealt a blow to AngloGold Ashanti’s $1.4 billion Quebradona copper-gold project. The ANM rejected AngloGold’s requests to suspend its obligations and extend the exploration phase for the stalled project. This decision represents a major setback as the company seeks to overcome regulatory and environmental issues.

Regulatory Hurdles and Environmental Opposition

In 2025, the ANM denied two key requests from AngloGold: one to extend the exploration phase and another to suspend obligations. The agency argued that granting both requests would create a legal contradiction. Furthermore, AngloGold did not provide sufficient evidence to support force majeure conditions.

The Quebradona project, located in the Cauca Medio region of Antioquia, Colombia, has faced continuous regulatory challenges. In 2021, Colombia’s environmental regulator, ANLA, suspended its environmental license due to concerns about harm to the local Jericó ecosystem. The suspension was upheld in 2022, complicating the project’s future. To move forward, AngloGold plans to submit a new environmental impact assessment (EIA) by 2027, including updated data on hydrogeology, hydrology, and geotechnical concerns.

Community Tensions and Project Outlook

Local opposition to the project remains strong. Environmental activists and community groups have raised alarms about the potential risks to the ecosystem. Tensions between AngloGold and locals escalated in 2023, with the company filing a lawsuit against farmers and activists for alleged kidnapping, theft, and injury during protests.

Despite these challenges, AngloGold’s long-term goal for Quebradona includes producing 1.4 million tonnes of copper, 1.4 million ounces of gold, and 21.6 million ounces of silver over 20 years. However, the future of the project remains uncertain due to the ongoing regulatory and community issues.

Quebradona’s Role in Colombia’s Mining Sector

Colombia currently has only one large-scale copper mine, El Roble, operated by Atico Mining. The Quebradona project is part of a broader trend of delayed copper projects in Colombia. New environmental regulations, agricultural protection zones, and resource reserve declarations have created significant uncertainty in the sector.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The rejection of AngloGold’s requests highlights the growing challenges faced by mining projects worldwide, especially those involving high environmental and social risks. If it proceeds, Quebradona could play a crucial role in the global copper supply chain. However, its future hinges on how AngloGold navigates Colombia’s complex regulatory environment. As global copper demand rises, the project’s delays reflect broader industry trends where environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues are shaping production timelines.