Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador Cuts Mining-Fee Revenue Forecast to USD 44M as Exploration Is Excluded
Ecuador reduced its projected annual mining-fee revenue from USD 220 million to USD 44 million after excluding exploration-stage concessions from the control fee. The revised framework, in force from June 26, adds 300 mineral-processing plants and recalibrates payment timing for 2026.
ARCOM Proposes Cutting Mining-Fee Target to USD 44M and Excluding Exploration
ARCOM is circulating a reform to Ecuador’s mining supervision fee that would cut projected collection by roughly 80%, from USD 221.75M to USD 44M. The proposal would exclude initial exploration, advanced exploration and economic evaluation projects, addressing one of the mining sector’s main investment-cost objections.
Ecuador Seeks 100% Mine Self-Generation in Cascabel and Mirador II Renegotiations
Ecuador is seeking contract addenda for the Cascabel and Mirador II copper projects, with power self-generation as a critical condition. The government wants new mines to cover 100% of their power demand as industrial mining could add at least 4,468 MW of electricity demand by 2035.
ARCOM Attack in Machala Raises Risk Around El Oro Mining Controls
An explosive attack affected the ARCOM office in Machala on the night of June 12, 2026. Authorities linked the incident to 88 illegal-mining operations in El Oro, adding a security-risk layer to mining enforcement in one of Ecuador's active control zones.
Orellana Illegal-Mining Operation Destroys Equipment Worth Estimated $1.2M
A military operation in Orellana caused an estimated $1.2 million loss to illegal mining structures, according to the Defense Ministry. The intervention destroyed camps, excavators, suction motors, classifiers, generators and 2,660 gallons of fuel.
Ecociencia Identifies 111 Mining-Affected Hectares in Protected Areas
Ecociencia identified 111 hectares affected by mining inside protected and conservation areas in Zamora Chinchipe. The report monitored four case studies from 2011 to 2025 and points to enforcement pressure in Ecuador’s southern Amazon mining corridor.
Energy Minister Says Cascabel Mining Contract Will Be Renegotiated
Ecuador's energy minister said the Cascabel exploitation contract will be renegotiated, Primicias reports. The project carries a 33-year mine-life plan, approximately $4.2B in expected investment, a 4,979-hectare concession and Chinese control after Jiangxi Copper's SolGold acquisition.
Cerro Azul Order Tests Ecuador Mining Cadastre Reopening After Eight-Year Freeze
Ecuador's mining cadastre reopening moved back into focus after a ministerial agreement tied to Cerro Azul, Primicias reports. The order directs Arcom to begin a gradual and progressive opening for small mining of aggregates and stone materials in the Guayaquil-Daule-Samborondon corridor.
Mining Exports Reach $1.381B in Q1, With Fruta del Norte and Mirador at 75% of Value
Ecuadorian mining exports reached $1.381 billion through March 2026, up 65% year over year, according to Primicias. Fruta del Norte and Mirador represented 75% of mining export value in the quarter.
Cangrejos Gold Project Pays First $34M in Advance Royalties; Total Obligation Set at $54M
ODIN Mining confirmed payment of $34 million in advance royalties at contract signing for the Cangrejos gold project in El Oro. The company will pay $54 million in total, with remaining installments tied to plant construction, tailings facility construction and start of operations.
Ecuador Signs First Open-Pit Gold Mine Contract: Cangrejos at $1.648B Investment, 26-Year Term
Ecuador's government formalized the exploitation contract for Cangrejos — the country's first open-pit gold mine and the world's 13th-largest undeveloped primary gold deposit. Chinese-backed Odin Mining Ecuador (CMOC subsidiary) will invest $1.648 billion across a 26-year contract in El Oro province.
Army Dismantles Illegal Mining Camp in Puyango, Loja — Mercury Seized Near Bosque Petrificado
The Ecuadorian Army dismantled an illegal mining camp in Puyango canton, Loja province, near the Bosque Petrificado and Río Puyango. Seizures included mercury, water pumps, and an unidentified white substance; no arrests reported.