LETTER TO THE EDITOR — Exploration potential outweighs possible risks in Colombia

This letter is in response to Tomas Feininger’s recent Odds `n’ Sods article, “Close Calls in Colombia” (T.N.M., Sept. 30/96). We do not intend to take issue with Mr. Feininger about what happened in Colombia when he was there in the 1960s. We would like to correct, however, any misconception that conditions might be the same today, particularly with regard to the Chivor emerald mining area.

Earlier this year, Chivor Emerald Corporation was formed to hold an 80% stake in an operating emerald mine. The objective there is to modernize an historic artisanal mine by applying modern mining methods.

The remaining 20% stake in the mine has been retained by the previous owners, who are also major shareholders in the Chivor mine. They are local people who are, in contrast to the impression left by the article, responsible businessmen committed to the future success of the project. They have also invested in the community.

Most of the press coverage of Colombia focuses on the negatives and, therefore, reinforces the picture conveyed in the story — that the country is a dangerous place dominated by drug cartels, guerrillas and kidnappings.

While these are serious problems, the facts are quite different from what is reported in the papers. Today, mining people are going almost anywhere in the world if there is a chance of finding economic mineral deposits. Many of these projects entail far greater risk than that encountered in Colombia between Bogota and Chivor. I have travelled to Colombia several times and have not encountered any of the difficulties commonly reported in the press.

We have hosted many visitors since becoming involved with this exciting and unique project and, to my knowledge, none has experienced any fear from his surroundings, only a great fascination for the emeralds for which the area is famous.

Patrick Mars, Chairman

Chivor Emerald