The Government of Ecuador ordered the indefinite suspension of more than 80 mining plants in the province of El Oro, after detecting critical levels of pollution in the Calera and Amarillo rivers.
Analyses conducted by the Water Regulation and Control Agency (ARCA) revealed concentrations of cyanide, arsenic, cadmium, copper, and lead far above the maximum permissible limits, posing a severe risk to aquatic and wildlife.
Alarming Results
The study determined that in the Calera River, the pollutant load increases critically in the section where the processing plants operate.
- Increase of 535.6% in lead.
- Increase of 465.79% in cyanide.
- Discharges with arsenic and cyanide values that far exceed legal limits.
The ministerial resolution concluded that there is a technical causal relationship between the discharges from the plants and the degradation of the water resource.
Adopted Measures
The resolution 0005 of the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MAE), signed by Minister Inés Manzano, establishes:
- Indefinite halt of processing plants in El Oro.
- Suspension of mining activities in the province of Napo, linked to contamination from illegal mining.
- Administrative processes within ten days to sanction mining operators.
- Inspections every fifteen days to verify compliance with the suspension.
- Closure of facilities and seizure of mineralized material by the Mining Regulation and Control Agency (Arcom).
The seized material will be handed over to the National Mining Company (Enami) for processing and commercialization.
Monitoring and Control
ARCA will coordinate with the Subsecretariat of Environmental Quality to conduct water quality monitoring in El Oro, Loja, and Napo within two months. Additionally, mining plants and concessions will be required to:
- Environmental authorization certificates and registration of hazardous chemical substances.
- Certificates of no impact on the water resource.
- Authorization for water use and exploitation.
The Vice Ministry of Water must implement water protection mechanisms in Napo within a month.
Sector Reactions
The Ecuadorian Chamber of Mining (CME) supported the resolution, emphasizing that legal and industrial mining operates under strict environmental standards and that it is appropriate to sanction those who violate the regulations. The guild clarified that it has no affiliated companies in Napo and reiterated its commitment to environmental protection.
The suspension of processing plants in El Oro and the halt of activities in Napo reflect the severity of the environmental crisis caused by mining. The high levels of heavy metals in the Calera and Amarillo rivers demonstrate ineffective treatment systems and endanger biodiversity and community health.
The measure aims to halt water deterioration and strengthen the fight against illegal mining, although it poses a long-term challenge: ensuring that resource exploitation is carried out under sustainable standards and with environmental responsibility.
