The future of the mining industry in Ecuador can be a story of sustainable, inclusive, and responsible development. This approach to development of natural resources takes into account all stakeholders, minimizes and considers environmental impact, and prioritizes a fair distribution of the economic and financial benefits generated by this economic activity. In order to achieve this, particular attention should be paid to the Agreements and Commitments signed between the interested parties, with the participation of communities, neighbouring populations, and local governments. Ecuador has taken notable steps in this regard, and while it is ahead of its peers in areas such as participation of women in the industry, more is being be done to create a transparent, responsible, sustainable mining framework.
The Government of Ecuador has important allies in its efforts to enact and promote responsible mining policies and practices. Diverse members of the Civil Society, as well as the Ecuadorian Academia, support these measure and are ready to land their expertise by facilitating dialogue, interaction and knowledge of mining processes. The Ecuadorian Industry, grouped in the Alliance for Entrepreneurship and Innovation AEI, also participates in the development of responsible mining processes, seeking the incorporation of small, medium and large Ecuadorian companies and industries within the value chain of mining projects.
In the same vein, the ambassadors of Australia, Canada, Chile, Peru, the United Kingdom, and the United States have come together to form a consultative team in support of the development of a Responsible Mining Industry in Ecuador. These countries have experience in the development of large-scale Industrial mining, and have significant mining investments in Ecuador. To support these efforts, the Embassy of Canada in Ecuador has undertaken following activities in support of the Government of Ecuador:
– Training and capacity building of Public Officials: A workshop on the Mining Cadastre Workshop was held in December, 2021, followed by a session on Mining Operations in Protected Areas and Water Recharge Zones in May, 2022.
– Facilitation of academic exchange between Canada Western University and Universidad Central del Ecuador.
– Support for Open Government and Ecuador’s implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, a multi-stakeholder initiative for improved governance.
– Advocacy for legal Security of Investments to guarantee continuity of long-term investment flow.
This multi-sectoral collaboration process (Government, Civil Society, Academia, Industry and diplomatic corps) to promote Ecuador’s journey in developing its mining industry in a sustainable and responsible manner will position the country favourable in the most important mining fair in the world, the PDAC convention that will take place from June 12 to 15 in the city of Toronto.
(*) Sylvie Bédard
Embajadora de Canadá en Ecuador
