Mining Exports Reach $1.381B in Q1, With Fruta del Norte and Mirador at 75% of Value
Mining has moved into a larger position in Ecuador's export mix.
First-Quarter Export Data
Primicias reports that mining exports reached USD 1.381 billion in the first quarter of 2026, a 65% increase from the same period of 2025, citing Banco Central del Ecuador data.
The article reports that mining ranked third among Ecuador's exports in the quarter, ahead of bananas and cacao.
Concentration in Two Mines
The Chamber of Mining of Ecuador said 75% of the value exported by the mining sector from January through March came from the country's two large-scale producing mines: Fruta del Norte and Mirador.
| Asset | Operator / description |
|---|---|
| Fruta del Norte | Underground gold mine in Yantzaza, Zamora Chinchipe; operated by Aurelian Ecuador, a Lundin Gold subsidiary. |
| Mirador | Ecuador's first large-scale open-pit mine, in El Pangui, Zamora Chinchipe; operated by Ecuacorriente. |
Primicias reports that Aurelian Ecuador registered USD 1.745 billion in revenue in 2025 and caused USD 226.9 million in income tax, according to the Superintendence of Companies ranking.
The article also reports that Ecuacorriente registered USD 1.282 billion in 2025 revenue and USD 105 million in income tax.
Pipeline Signal
The sector's next construction asset remains limited. Primicias reports that only one medium-scale mine is currently under construction: El Domo, in Las Naves, Bolivar province. Silvercorp Metals told investors in 2026 that total investment in El Domo will be USD 284 million, with construction expected to finish by July 2027.
What to watch
- Whether full-year 2026 exports exceed the USD 4.163 billion recorded in 2025.
- Construction progress at El Domo through July 2027.
- Further concentration risk in Fruta del Norte and Mirador.
- Policy and permitting conditions affecting the next generation of mine construction.
Source: Primicias
Source
Primicias — “Las exportaciones de minería sumaron USD 1.381 millones hasta marzo, 75% proviene de Fruta del Norte y Mirador”
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