There are in
Colombia, two main sources of emeralds. The Muzo and
the Chivor Mines. Muzo, 105 Km north of the Capital
city of Bogota, D.C., with an area close to 360 Km2,
is located 600 meters (1800 feet) above sea level. The
mine embraces the Itoco River a tributary to the Minero
River. Worth mentioning in the Muzo area are the mines
of Tequendama, Santa Barbara, El Cholo, Coscuez, and
Peñas Blancas. This mining district is controlled
by the Colombian Government and exploited private companies
through term contracts. Chivor, on the other hand, is
located 165 Km. Northeast of Santafe de Bogota, D.C.,
in territory of the municipality of Almeida, in Boyaca.
The mine oversees the confluence of rivers Lengupa and
Rucio, which together become the Guavio River. It is
located 1800 Mts. (5400 ft) above sea level, and holds
two main mining centers: Buenavista, with Las Vegas
and San Juan, 8 Km away from each other, and Gachala.
Chivor and Muzo areas are operated through concession
by the government. |