Colombia is the last Andean frontier, largely untouched by modern exploration, and has been compared with Peru in the early 1990s; excellent mineral potential but under explored due to the adverse security situation of the past. While its nearest neighbors are now suffering increasing critical or negative attention, Colombia has been making headlines for its vast mineral resources, fast-growing economy, relatively stable politics and a steady stream of big-name acquisitions in the resource sector. Among them has been Eike Batista, CEO of MPX and Brazil’s richest man, who made his first gold mine acquisition at the age of 24. He acquired Ventana Gold earlier this year for a rumored $1.5 billion. This deal in particular has trained a great deal more investors’ eyes on Colombia.

However, concerns have been raised after Greystar, having invested heavily in the exploration and development of its Angostura mine, have been stalled in development due to environmental concerns. Some investors now fear the growing environmental lobby and the deteriorating reputation of the mining industry may derail the boom.