orters of coal. Two-thirds of an annual production of 30.1 million metric tons comes from a single open-pit mine, the world's largest, on the Guajira Peninsula. Some 9.7 billion cu m (331 billion cu ft) of natural gas was produced in 1996.Gold, mined in Colombia since pre-Columbian times, is found principally in the department of Antioquia and to a lesser extent in the departments of Cauca, Caldas, Nario, Tolima, and Choc. Colombia is the leading gold producer of South America, with an output of 22,064 kg (10,008 lb) in 1996. Platinum, discovered in Colombia in 1735, is found in the gold-bearing sands of the San Juan and Atrato river basins. Colombia has the largest platinum deposits in the world, producing about 51,500 troy oz annually. The chief emerald-mining centers are the Muzo and Chiver mines. Still other mineral products are lead, manganese, zinc, mercury, mica, phosphates, and sulfur.DManufacturing The manufacturing industries in Colombia, stimulated in the 1950s by the establishment of high protective tariffs on imports, are generally small-scale enterprises, producing for the domestic market. Together, they account for 16 percent of Colombia's yearly national output. Cotton-spinning mills, principally in the cities of Barranquilla, Manizales, Medelln, and Samac, are important manufacturing establishments. Other industries include the manufacture of foodstuffs, tobacco products, iron and steel, and transportation equipment. Chemical products are becoming increasingly important, and footwear, Panama hats, and glassware are made.EEnergy Colombia has many hydroelectric installations, and 81 percent of its electricity was produced by such facilities in 1996. A drought in 1992 brought about electricity rationing in much of the country. Consequently the government initiated the construction of new thermoelectric power plants and improved natural gas distribution to urban residences. In 1996 the country's annual output of electricity...
