Local divide

Colombia is one of the world's largest producers of emeralds, with exports of the gems totaling $122 million in 2022, according to the National Federation of Emeralds.

However, most of the profits go toward multinational mining corporations or powerful mining families.

Esmeraldas Mining Services operates a foundation in Muzo which conducts various social programs.

Still, some believe the company could do more to give back to the impoverished community around the mines.