According to Mining Weekly, citing Reuters, Ecuador’s National Assembly on Thursday (26) approved a reform bill proposed by President Daniel Noboa aimed at promoting the development of the country’s mining sector. The measure, however, has been criticized by environmental activists and indigenous groups.
The reform includes adjustments to the environmental permitting process, which the government says are intended to encourage investment in the mining industry. Ecuador has recently seen a decline in its attractiveness as a mining destination.
The bill passed with 77 votes in favor, 70 against, and 4 abstentions.
One of the most significant changes replaces the current environmental licensing system with several types of mining “environmental authorizations.”
Depending on the level of risk, approvals will take three forms: a full environmental license, an environmental registry, or an environmental certificate.
The latter two represent simplified procedures designed for projects with lower environmental impact. Officials said these changes would help eliminate administrative barriers that previously discouraged investment. Projects with higher environmental impact will still be required to obtain full environmental permits.
Large-scale mining projects in Ecuador have historically faced local community opposition, legal challenges, and regulatory uncertainty. Currently, the country has only two large-scale operating mines: the Fruta del Norte gold mine and the Mirador copper mine, both of which began production in 2019.
The reform package also includes the creation of mining protection zones, where military forces will be deployed to counter illegal mining and criminal groups. Another provision seeks to formalize small-scale artisanal miners.
Environment and Energy Minister Ines Manzano said that authorities have identified around 400 illegal mining sites across Ecuador.
Indigenous organizations and environmental groups criticized the reform, arguing that replacing environmental licenses weakens environmental oversight and undermines the right of communities to prior consultation.
The indigenous organization Ecuarunari said in a statement before the vote that the reforms aim to support large multinational mining companies at the expense of the country, the environment, and community rights.
The reform package also includes measures to open the electricity sector to private investment.
[出处 – 上海有色网] 厄瓜多尔推进改革以吸引矿业投资 https://news.smm.cn/news/103785221
