Cerrejón responds to Ministry of Labor accusations regarding job insecurity and coal exports to Israel.

Cerrejón responded to Labor Minister Antonio Sanguino's statements, stating that the company "intensifies precarious employment" at its coal complex and participates in international supply chains that use fuel for "genocide against Palestine."

"We are not facing simple irregularities, but rather what could be an unscrupulous extractive chain that makes Colombian workers precarious and profits across borders, even if it means fueling conflicts identified by the international community as potential war crimes," Sanguino asserted.

On the one hand, Cerrejón asserted that it creates decent, formal, and quality employment and has rigorous systems for preventing, reporting, and treating occupational diseases, in line with current regulations. It also stated that it actively and openly participates in inspection and surveillance processes led by the competent authorities.

"We regret the value judgments and biased accusations that affect the reputation of thousands of workers who, with commitment and professionalism, carry out their work in an industry that is key to the economic and social development of La Guajira and the country ," the company stated.

On the other hand, he reported that his operations are "respectful" of Colombian law, including the decree issued by President Gustavo Petro's government on exports to Israel. "We categorically reject all the accusations contained in the report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine, which we consider unfounded and without legal basis," he stated.

Although the Ministry of Commerce issued a decree prohibiting exports to that country in August of last year, companies have continued to send certain quantities thanks to exceptions included in this measure, something that has not been well received by President Gustavo Petro.

Yesterday, in his speech before Congress, he said that this money is "cursed" and that companies are "disobeying" him.

According to calculations by the Colombian Mining Association (ACM), for every million tons that Colombia stops exporting to Israel, it is estimated that up to 200 billion pesos could be lost in taxes and royalties.

"Cerrejón reiterates its commitment to the well-being of its employees, transparency, and accountability in its operations," he concluded.