Reservas de Oro en Estado Natural

Abstract

This article proposes the certification and legal recognition of natural gold reserves—undeveloped, in situ mineral deposits—as a sustainable strategy to strengthen Colombia’s international reserves. Rather than promoting extraction, this approach focuses on preserving the reserves as strategic assets, contributing to macroeconomic resilience and environmental protection. The research is grounded in a qualitative analysis of international certification standards (NI 43-101, JORC), Colombia’s Mining Code, and international experiences from countries like Canada, Australia, Chile, and Peru. Colombia is estimated to possess around 2,000 tonnes of unextracted gold that could be certified and incorporated into its asset portfolio without the socio-environmental costs of traditional mining. The proposed model includes three pillars: environmental sustainability, community participation, and economic valuation. It integrates tools such as satellite georeferencing, blockchain traceability, and conservation-based financial mechanisms. Implementation is structured in three phases—pilot, expansion, and consolidation—requiring legal and institutional adaptation, particularly the reform of Mining Code Law 685 of 2001. This strategy aligns with global sustainability goals and offers a replicable framework for other resource-rich nations seeking to preserve ecological integrity while enhancing economic stability.