Objective:

The research reported here aimed to understand aspects of the perception that some inhabitants of three municipalities in the western department of Antioquia (Colombia) have about mining and its relationship with vital dimensions such as health.

Methodology:

This comprehensive study was based on principles of participatory action research and was carried out through a socio-environmental mapping exercise. Three community-based groups were formed with local actors, with whom interviews, tours of the territories, definition of concepts and symbols, and territorial mapping were carried out. The information was analyzed following open, axial and selective coding processes, after which it was validated with the community.

Results:

Territorial conflicts were identified, effects on the health of the populations involved and the environment, as well as social, political and economic logics that are woven around mining activity.

Conclusion:

Mining in fact constitutes one of the main means of livelihood for some participants, not only as a tradition, but also due to the lack of opportunities for the development of other trades; however, due to the entry of large-scale mining in some territories, livelihoods, food security and sovereignty, culture, territorial rights and population health are perceived as threatened. It is important to highlight the relevance of carrying out health approaches from an analysis matrix that considers the social phenomena that determine the health-disease-care process, the subjects in a situation, and the socio-territorial relationships that they build in their daily lives.

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