Lee Bosher
El Cerrejon (Contreras)
The high Guajira is a semi-desert zone located in the North of Colombia. The Rancheria is the main river in the department, which was deviated in its medium and lower course to supply water to the open coalmine called El Cerrejon. This coalmine has been the origin of water shortage and forced displacement among the communities, air and noise pollution around it, besides the environmental damage in the area. The communities claim that rather than development, the coalmine has brought more water scarcity and poverty to the communities around. According to them, their problems will not end until the exploitation of coal is finished in the region.
Photographer Name: Diana Maria Contreras Mojica.
Photograph Location and Date: El Cerrejon, coalmine in La Guajira, Colombia, January 2017
El Cerrejon (Contreras)
The high Guajira is a semi-desert zone located in the North of Colombia. The Rancheria is the main river in the department, which was deviated in its medium and lower course to supply water to the open coalmine called El Cerrejon. This coalmine has been the origin of water shortage and forced displacement among the communities, air and noise pollution around it, besides the environmental damage in the area. The communities claim that rather than development, the coalmine has brought more water scarcity and poverty to the communities around. According to them, their problems will not end until the exploitation of coal is finished in the region.
Photographer Name: Diana Maria Contreras Mojica.
Photograph Location and Date: El Cerrejon, coalmine in La Guajira, Colombia, January 2017