Ecuador to tighten security for mining projects starting construction

Ecuador is preparing an armed forces and police-backed security program for mining assets that are nearing the construction phase.

Camps of such projects have faced attacks and invasions by illegal miners or have had their access blocked.

The areas around those projects will soon be declared special security zones, public-private partnerships secretary Roberto Salas told BNamericas. He added that the policy is developed by the mining department, the public-private partnerships office and the armed forces and will be implemented gradually, in line with each project’s security situation.

Government officials and companies are collaborating to drum up support, which is essential for the planned investments, Salas said.

EcuaCorriente's Mirador copper mine and Lundin Gold's Fruta del Norte are Ecuador’s only large operating mines, but expected investments of some US$11bn could create more assets.

Major projects are La Plata (polymetallic), Curipamba (copper and gold), Loma Larga (gold and silver), Mirador Norte (copper), Ruta del Cobre (copper), Cascabel (gold, silver, copper), and Warintza (copper).

Mining products are Ecuador's fourth largest export item, behind oil, bananas and shrimp, generating US$2.31bn in January-October, up 42% year-on-year, according to the central bank.

Total mining exports this year are expected to exceed US$2.6bn and reach US$4bn by 2025.