Colombian president proposes Bitcoin mining in Caribbean region

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has suggested that the development of Bitcoin mining could attract investment and stimulate economic growth in northwestern cities including Santa Marta, Riohacha and Barranquilla.

In comments shared on social media on May 5, Petro said the initiative could provide a “powerful boost” to the Caribbean region’s economy, adding that Venezuela and Paraguay were already exploring similar opportunities and that Colombia should follow suit, Caliber.Az reports. 

Si las monedas virtuales se basan en energía fósil estalla el calentamiento mundial y el colapso climático

Hoy los países con abundantes energías limpias encerradas como Venezuela y Paraguay, logran atraer las inversiones en minería del bitcoin. La.minería del bitcoin es el… https://t.co/KroCrG9qkD

— Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) May 5, 2026

He also noted that the proposal has faced opposition from an influential political group led by the Char family, but maintained that crypto mining could serve as a significant economic driver for the region.

Petro further stressed the importance of engaging with the Guajiro Indigenous communities in the area, suggesting they should be made co-owners of any mining projects developed on their land.

By Sabina Mammadli