Socioeconomic and environmental conflicts caused by ecological distribution in the Sinifaná Coalfield, Colombia

Abstract

This paper analyzes ecological distribution, with a focus on the socioeconomic and environmental conflicts generated by coal exploitation in the Sinifaná coalfield (SCF), in Antioquia, Colombia. The methodology incorporated a descriptive approach which focused on socioeconomic and environmental conflicts, and an analytical approach with a relational emphasis. The hypothesized relation between socioeconomic and environmental conflicts and the Sustainable Development Goals was corroborated. In conclusion, the main conflict present in the study area surrounds the environmental sustainability that derives from informal and illegal mining practices. This causes countless socioeconomic and environmental conflicts that are impacting the wellbeing of people living in the SCF.