Colombia's mining sector contracted significantly in recent years, with foreign direct investment falling from US$3.442 billion in 2023 to US$178 million in 2025. ^[1] Juan Camilo Nariño, president of the Colombian Mining Association (ACM), stated on 2026-01-15 that the mining sector could attract US$7.000 billion in investments for new mine construction over the next four years. ^[2] The Colombian mining sector argues that it must communicate its positive achievements to dispel myths held by the Colombian public regarding daily mining processes. ^[3] Gold represented 54.8% of mining exports, but its international price averaged US$4,073.92 per troy ounce in July after completing five consecutive months of decline. ^[4] Mining exports of the eleven main products totaled $7.303 billion in the first half of the year, representing nearly a 50% increase compared to the previous year. ^[5] Royalty revenue collection dropped from $9.19 trillion in 2023 to $4.02 trillion in 2025, and the sector's weight in the national economy decreased from 1.30% in 2021 to 1.01% last year. ^[6] Nariño reported that foreign direct investment in the sector fell by 88% during the previous four-year term. ^[7] The ACM president argued that the state must accelerate licensing processes for projects in advanced exploration stages to restore investor confidence. ^[8] Juan Camilo Nariño claimed that approximately 97% of Colombia's territory remains geologically unexplored. ^[9] The Colombian Mining Association (ACM) estimated that favorable conditions would attract $350 million annually for exploration. ^[10] The Colombian Mining Association (ACM) estimated that improving legal and fiscal conditions could unlock $4.7 trillion for mine construction. ^[11] Alejandro Castañeda initially dismissed the possibility of a blackout in Colombia for 2026, stating that the immediate risk is not present. ^[12]