Editor’s Note
This article explores the lives of Colombia’s “guaqueros,” the informal miners who search for emeralds in the country’s famed mines. It examines the economic realities and risks of this trade, which fuels a global luxury market.
This report delves into the world of Colombian emerald mining, exploring the lives and challenges of the miners, known locally as “guaqueros” or “barequeros,” who search for the precious green stones. Colombia is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality emeralds, with mines primarily located in the departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca.
The work is arduous and dangerous, often conducted in informal or artisanal mines with limited safety measures. Miners navigate unstable tunnels and use basic tools to extract emerald-bearing rock.
The emerald trade has a complex history in Colombia, intertwined with periods of violence and conflict, often referred to as the “Green Wars.” While formalization efforts are underway, many operations remain outside official regulation.
For many communities, emerald mining is a vital, albeit precarious, source of income. The discovery of a high-quality stone can be life-changing, but such finds are rare. The industry faces challenges related to environmental damage, labor rights, and the integration of informal miners into the legal economy.