On the afternoon of May 17, 2023, Colombia time, the Buriticá Gold Mine, operated by Continental Gold Limited Sucursal Colombia (“Continental Gold”), a majority-owned subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Co., Ltd. (“Zijin Mining”), suffered a terrorist attack in which explosives were used. The attack claimed the lives of two people from Continental Gold’s security and labor contractors and injured 14 people, including 4 Colombian national police officers. No Chinese personnel were injured in the attack. Preliminary investigations suggest that the attack was carried out by local illegal mining organizations.
In the wake of the incident, Continental Gold immediately activated its emergency response plan, launching an urgent underground rescue effort, taking all necessary steps to bring medical attention to the injured and managing the aftermath of the attack. The Colombian government has convened a security meeting to tackle the situation, saying that the attackers will be punished severely.
The terrorist attack on the Buriticá Gold Mine and the national police officers of Colombia is a serious crime against the international mining industry. Zijin Mining is deeply shocked and outraged by the attack. We strongly condemn the heinous actions of the criminals and express our deepest sorrow and condolences for the two people who lost their lives. We also extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of the perished and the injured.
Zijin Mining will actively collaborate with Colombian police on the investigation of the case, so that the perpetrators, masterminds, and financiers of the attack could be brought to justice as soon as possible. We also call on the Colombian authorities to step up efforts to combat violence associated with illegal mining, and take effective measures to protect the legitimate rights of companies operating in Colombia and the safety of people working at their operations.
Zijin Mining has a 69.276% interest in Continental Gold. As of the end of 2022, Continental Gold’s total assets were 8.162 billion RMB, its annual operating income was 2.995 billion RMB and its net profit 211 million RMB, accounting for 2.67%, 1.11%, and 0.85% of Zijin Mining’s total assets, operating income, and net profit for the year 2022. Underground mining operations of the Buriticá Gold Mine may be affected by the attack to a certain extent in the short term.
À propos de Zijin Mining
Zijin Mining est une entreprise mondiale leader dans le secteur des métaux et de l'exploitation minière, et l'un des plus grands producteurs mondiaux d'or, de cuivre et de zinc. La société compte plus de 30 sites miniers et projets d'envergure répartis dans 19 pays sur 5 continents. Grâce à ses solides capacités internes en matière de recherche, d'ingénierie et de développement, Zijin maintient une efficacité opérationnelle élevée à moindre coût, tant pour les acquisitions que pour les opérations. Cette approche lui permet de se positionner en tant que leader de la création de valeur, guidée par une philosophie de développement pour tous et soutenue par des performances exemplaires en matière d'environnement, de responsabilité sociale et de gouvernance. Les actions de Zijin sont cotées à la Bourse de Hong Kong (HKEX : 2899) et à la Bourse de Shanghai (SSE : 601899).