"The Buritica mine represents legal and good mining," Zijin Continental CEO James Wang said at a ceremony attended by Colombia president Ivan Duque.
"Legal mining is a good neighbour. Legal mining preserves the culture and of the territories and supports the development of the region.
"Today we begin a new chapter in Colombia's mining sector. We want to be a good example and we are working to be the best mine in Colombia."
Wang said the mine construction cost was US$610 million, 57% more than the $389.2 million estimated in the February 2016 feasibility study.