Ecuador Initiates Mining Concession Registration for First Time in Seven Years

On June 16 (Monday), Ecuador's Ministry of Mines announced on Monday that the country had initiated the registration of new mining concessions for the first time in seven years, aiming to attract more mining projects and curb illegal mining operations.

Due to concerns about irregularities in the concession system, the country closed the registration of mining concessions in 2018 and has not awarded any new concession contracts since then.

"Mining needs regulation to ensure investment and promote environmentally and community-responsible development," said Ines Manzano, the country's Minister of Mines, at a press conference.

The ministry will open registration in several phases, starting with small-scale non-metallic mining. The next phase, targeting small-scale metal mining, will begin in September. The country will open registration for other types of mining in early 2026.

"We have revised the regulations and will issue guidelines to promote the proper development of the mining value chain."

Ecuador mainly produces copper, gold, and silver, and the country's mining export value exceeded $3 billion last year.

Despite having abundant resources, the country has lagged behind regional countries such as Peru and Chile in developing large-scale mining due to opposition from indigenous communities and unfavorable court rulings.

The government has also proposed new mining royalties, which have sparked strong opposition from the country's mining chamber.

Carolina Jaramillo, a government spokesperson, said on Monday that the new mining royalties would correspond to the size and type of mining projects and that "open dialogue" was ongoing with industry representatives.