Drilling rig in Colombia. (Source: Shutterstock.com)
Colombia’s mines and energy minister Irene Vélez-Torres resigned from the ministry on July 19, citing investigations against her use of power.
The minister’s resignation comes as Colombia’s energy sector struggles to boost investments, hydrocarbon reserves and production as both its oil and gas reserves are set to run out in less than eight years at current production levels, according to Colombia’s National Hydrocarbon Agency (ANH).
RELATED: Report: Colombia’s Oil, Gas Reserves Running Out
“Although the task has not culminated, with profound respect in the institutionality, I have decided to leave my position at the ministry so that investigations against me don’t interfere with the execution of the government program,” Vélez said in a four-page letter posted on her Twitter account.
The letter mainly highlighted key energy sector accomplishments during her short tenure as minister.
Prior to joining the ministry, Vélez worked mainly in academia—working with institutions such as the National University of Colombia and most recently as a professor at the University of Valle. Vélez, like Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro, is strongly against fracking in Colombia in favor of clean energies.
Stories from major Colombian and Argentine media outlets pointed to possible nepotism as the reasons for Vélez’s resignation.
The Colombian magazine Semana reported that the minister’s husband, a Dutch filmmaker, had allegedly been awarded a lucrative contract with the Colombian government related to a communications strategy.
For its part, Argentine media Infobae also reported that Vélez used her position and influence to obtain a visa for her son without going to the proper channels, such as notarizing official documents with a registered notary.
In her letter, Vélez thanked Petro for giving her the opportunity and said she was available to respond to Colombian authorities.
Petro’s government has yet to comment on the resignation or give clues to who might be Colombia’s next mines and energy minister.
RELATED: Colombia’s President Petro Says E&P Contracts Unchanged
Recommended Reading
WhiteHawk Energy Adds Marcellus Shale Mineral, Royalty Assets
2024-09-18 - WhiteHawk Energy LLC said it acquired Marcellus Shale natural gas mineral and royalty interests covering 435,000 gross unit acres operated by Antero Resources, EQT, Range Resources and CNX Resources.
Diamondback Subsidiary Viper Closes $900MM Midland Royalty Deal
2024-10-02 - Diamondback Energy’s Viper Energy closed the last of three acquisitions from Tumbleweed Royalty, owned by Double Eagle Energy’s founders, that together totaled about $1.1 billion.
Exxon Seeks Buyers for Portion of Assets in North Dakota's Bakken Shale
2024-10-15 - The planned sale could fetch upwards of $500 million, two sources told Reuters. They said it was part of Exxon's efforts to focus on assets with the highest growth potential after a $60 billion takeover of rival Pioneer Natural Resources in May.
Marketed: Wellbore Capital 10 Well Package Marcellus Opportunity
2024-09-12 - Wellbore Capital LLC has retained EnergyNet for the sale of a Marcellus Shale Opportunity 10 well package in Marion and Wetzel counties, West Virginia.
Diamondback’s Viper Buys $1.1B in Permian Mineral, Royalty Interests
2024-09-11 - Diamondback subsidiary Viper Energy is spending $1.1 billion on a series of Permian Basin mineral and royalty acquisitions from Tumbleweed Royalty, which was formed by the executives behind Double Eagle Energy.
Comments
Add new comment
This conversation is moderated according to Hart Energy community rules. Please read the rules before joining the discussion. If you’re experiencing any technical problems, please contact our customer care team.