Many amateur miners test their luck searching for gold as a source of extra income in the hopes of improving their living conditions. Colombia has more than 14,350 mines, more than half of which operate without proper permits. Raul Arboleda / AFP
The price of the gold troy ounce currently stands at just below US$1,300. Above, a craftsman shows gold rings in Antioquia, Colombia. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A miner works at an unlicensed gold mine in Segovia. Colombia has more than 14,350 mines, more than half of which operate without proper permits. Raul Arboleda / AFP
Many amateur miners test their luck searching for gold as a source of extra income in the hopes of improving their living conditions. Colombia has more than 14,350 mines, more than half of which operate without proper permits. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A Colombian gold trader weighs a piece of gold in the municipality of Segovia. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A Colombian gold trader shows a piece of gold in the municipality of Segovia. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A craftsman makes gold accessories for jewellery in Antioquia. Colombia produces some 66 metric tonnes of gold a year, or about US$33billion in exports. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A miner cools himself down at 'La Primavera', a licensed gold mine in Segovia. Colombia has more than 14,350 mines, more than half of which operate without proper permits. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A miner lights a candle at 'La Primavera', a licensed gold mine in Segovia municipality. Raul Arboleda / AFP
A craftsman works on a gold chain in Antioquia. Colombia produces some 66 metric tonnes of gold a year, or about US$33billion in exports. Raul Arboleda / AFP
The La Primavera mining site, a licensed gold mine in Segovia municipality. Colombia has more than 14,350 mines, more than half of which operate without proper permits. Raul Arboleda / AFP
Mining accidents are common in Colombia, especially at wildcat mines in poverty-stricken areas dominated by criminal gangs with little state presence. Above, inside the La Primavera, a licensed gold mine. Raul Arboleda / AFP
Mining accidents are common in Colombia, especially at wildcat mines in poverty-stricken areas dominated by criminal gangs with little state presence. Above, an unlicensed gold mine in Antioquia. Raul Arboleda / AFP
Colombia produces some 66 metric tonnes of gold a year, or about US$33billion in exports. Mining the precious metal is however a risky business, with more than half of Colombia’s 14,350 mines operating without proper permits.