According to a report on the BNAmerica website, Ecuador will reopen its mining rights system in phases starting this month. The system has been closed since January 2018, and the mining industry has been calling for its reopening.
Carolina Jaramillo, spokesperson for the President's Office, stated at a press conference in Quito that the system is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
The first phase will begin on June 16, opening land registration for small-scale non-metallic miners. In September, it will be opened to small-scale metallic miners. By the end of the year, the entire system will be fully operational.
Jaramillo emphasized that the phased reopening is to ensure efficient, transparent, and continuous operation.
She also announced that Ecuador will impose inspection fees on all mining activities, except for artisanal mining.
This measure is expected to generate $229 million annually, with the revenue to be used for regulating and combating illegal mining activities, "as well as preventing criminal activities and the loss of valuable resources."
Jaramillo did not disclose details on how the inspection fees would be calculated or when they would take effect.
Ecuador currently has only two operating large-scale mines, but at least eight projects are in advanced stages and are expected to commence construction during the new government's term.