Belmira & Surrounding Area

Belmira is a town and municipality in the Colombian department of Antioquia and part of the sub region of Northern Antioquia.

The climate is classified as meso-thermal humid, with moderate to strong rain all the year averaging 2,500 to 3,000 mm per year with maximum rains between April and November. Statistically at Belmira, it rains between 200 and 250 days per year with an average of 20 days per month during times of maximum precipitation. Annual average temperature ranges between 12° to 18°C, descending to 6° to 12°C at higher elevations.

Due to the climatic and physiographic features, some parts are covered by mountain humid forest characterized by an abundance of oaks. A considerable part of the original forest has been exploited since colonial times, giving rise to further pasture for cattle and lands for potatoes culture. Topography is very hilly, with steep slopes rising abruptly from the Rio Chico valley and Belmira.

This region is an historical mining area with activity records dating back 150 years. These records were reviewed and local artisan miners were hired to locate old and recent mine workings. Many adits and new outcroppings have been located and mapped. A small amount of excavation and panning for high-grade gold has been carried out by the local population in the past, but there is presently little activity. No large scale or intensive mining has been conducted in the area.

Belmira is approximately 65 kilometers N of the department capital city of Medellin and 176 miles (283km) north west of Bogota. Medellin connects with the capital city of Bogota by road and by commercial airline. Access is by a paved 2-lane highway from Medellin to the town of Belmira, with travel time estimated to be 2 hrs. From Belmira, access is made on foot or by horse (approximately 45 minutes) to the area of known workings. Limited accommodations and supplies are available in Belmira.