Colombia extends ban on requests for mine permits

Colombia has extended a suspension on receiving new requests for mining concessions for two months to handle a backlog of permits, the Andean nation's energy ministry said on Friday. The world's number-four coal exporter has been hit by a series of mine explosions that killed dozens of workers over the last couple of years, prompting calls for stricter oversight at a time when Colombia's mining sector is enjoying a mini-boom.

Full "Mining Weekly" article