Let's talk about the Work and Construction Program (PTO)

If you have been notified by the National Mining Agency (ANM) or simply want to understand what the Works and Projects Program (PTO) is, we invite you to continue reading and allow us to clearly explain what this document consists of.

Social management prepared and developed by Geolanel SAS

What is a Works and Construction Program?

In general terms, the Works and Projects Program (PTO) is a document in which all aspects of a mining project are described. In other words, the PTO is a report with which the owner presents his mining project to the Colombian state, so that it can approve or reject said project. The entity in charge of reviewing and approving these documents is the National Mining Agency (ANM).

The PTO is a considerably extensive report, as it must detail multiple aspects of the mining title such as: its topography, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology and the socioeconomic situation of the communities that will be affected by the mining project associated with said title. The PTO must include an estimate of resources and reserves and must also describe in detail all the works associated with the mining operation (quarries, tunnels, mining support structures, etc.). Additionally, this document must include a schedule that includes all the activities that will be carried out in the mining project.

Who must submit PTO?

Every mining owner who wants to carry out the exploitation of a mineral in Colombian territory is required to present a PTO. The holders of a concession contract cannot carry out mineral extraction activities without first having a PTO approved by the National Mining Agency (ANM), with the exception of miners who are in the process of legalizing traditional mining.

Once the ANM has reviewed and approved a PTO submitted by a titleholder, compliance with this PTO becomes a contractual obligation of the mining titleholder, meaning that the titleholder is obliged to carry out his mining project exactly as described in his approved PTO. The PTO will serve as an instrument for future inspections of the mining title by the ANM.

Who can do a PTO?

The Works and Construction Program (PTO) must be endorsed by competent professionals in the area such as geologists, geological engineers or mining engineers. Geolanel SAS has a network of professionals, as well as suppliers of specialized equipment and laboratories focused on the execution of all the requirements requested by the ANM in the Works and Construction Programs (PTO).

How much does it cost to do a PTO?

If you want to prepare a budget for the development of a PTO, you must consider the following aspects of your mining project:

1. The area of the mining concession or title. Remember that the cost of geological exploration is proportional to the number of hectares of the mining title in question.

2. The mining scale classification, or the scale of the project, i.e. whether it is classified as small, medium or large scale mining. Each classification has implications and impacts that must be considered and will influence the cost of the PTO.

3. Finally, and most importantly, the cost of the PTO will depend on the type of mineral to be extracted. To do this, take into account the six (6) groups of minerals proposed by the ANM: (1) Coal; (2) Precious and Polymetallic Metals; (3) Gravel and River Sand for Construction; (4) Emeralds, Precious and Semi-Precious Stones; (5) Industrial Minerals, Ornamental Rocks and Construction Materials, and (6) Radioactive Minerals. Therefore, depending on the mineral, the activities to be carried out will also depend.

Geolanel SAS has a mission and it is to provide support to mining owners throughout the different stages of their mining project, which is why we offer completely free quotes in which we evaluate your project and send you a technical and economic proposal as soon as possible with payment facilities according to your needs.