Mass Protest in Ecuador Over Mine Threat to Water & Nature

Photo: Reuters

On September 16, the streets of Cuenca, one of Ecuador’s most historic and cultural cities, turned into a sea of voices, banners, and chants. More than 90,000 people came together in what has become one of the largest environmental protests in the country in recent years.

The reason was clear: they were standing against the planned Loma Larga gold mine project, led by Canadian company Dundee Precious Metals (DPM Metals).

The march was peaceful, but powerful. Families, students, workers, farmers, church leaders, and local officials all joined. Their main fear was that the mine would damage the Quimsacocha water reserve, a 3,200-hectare highland area that provides fresh water to thousands of people.

Many carried signs saying, “Agua vale más que el oro” (“Water is worth more than gold”) and “Fuera Loma Larga” (“Out with Loma Larga”).

Why the Protest Happened

The Loma Larga mine sits near paramo ecosystems, which are special high-altitude wetlands found in the Andes mountains. These ecosystems act like giant sponges: they absorb rain and slowly release it into rivers, which later supply drinking water to cities and irrigation for farmers.

Environmentalists and scientists have long warned that mining in these areas is risky. Even small leaks of chemicals like cyanide, which is often used in gold mining, could poison rivers and lakes. Also, blasting and digging could harm the natural sponge-like soil, reducing its ability to hold water.

For the people of Cuenca and surrounding provinces, losing clean water is not just an environmental issue—it’s a threat to life, farming, health, and culture.

The Company and the License

The project is controlled by Dundee Precious Metals, a Canadian mining company with other projects in Europe and Africa. The company had received an environmental license earlier this year from Ecuador’s government, allowing it to begin preparations for mining.

But the license sparked outrage. Within days, local groups organized marches and legal actions. Under strong public pressure, Ecuador’s Energy Ministry announced that construction would be suspended until DPM Metals presented a detailed environmental management plan explaining how it would protect water and ecosystems.

The President’s Position

Ecuador’s president, Daniel Noboa, faced tough questions after the protests grew. Instead of defending the mine, he tried to distance himself from the project. He said that decisions about Loma Larga should be left to local and provincial authorities.

Noboa admitted there was a “very high chance” that the mine would not go forward. Still, he warned that if the license is canceled, the company might sue Ecuador in international courts, which could cost the country millions of dollars.

This careful balancing act shows the difficult spot Ecuador’s leaders face: attracting investment for jobs and economic growth while protecting the environment and respecting community voices.

Voices from the Protest

• One farmer from Azuay province said:
• “We don’t eat gold. We don’t drink gold. But we cannot live a day without water. If this mine pollutes our rivers, our children will suffer.”
• A university student added:
• “This is not only about Cuenca. This is about climate, about nature, about the future. Once you lose clean water, you cannot buy it back.”

Local leaders, including the mayor of Cuenca, joined the crowd. They reminded the government that in 2021, a local referendum banned mining in areas close to water sources in the region. Protesters argue the Loma Larga license ignores the spirit of that vote.

A Pattern of Resistance

• This protest is not the first. Ecuador has a long history of communities rising against mining projects.
• In 2019, people in Azuay voted in a local referendum to block mining near water reserves.
• In 2021, a similar vote in Cuenca banned mining in water-rich zones.
• Court rulings in past years have also stopped projects when communities proved risks to water or indigenous rights.

These repeated actions show how deeply Ecuadorians value their natural resources. While some countries welcome mining as a path to wealth, Ecuador’s people often say water and biodiversity are more important than gold, copper, or silver.

Ecuador’s Mining Challenges

Ecuador has rich underground resources. Geologists believe the country has huge reserves of gold, copper, and silver. Neighboring countries like Peru and Chile have become global leaders in mining, earning billions of dollars.

• But in Ecuador, mining has struggled to grow. Right now, only two large-scale mines operate:
• Fruta del Norte, run by Canadian firm Lundin Gold.
• Mirador, a copper mine run by Chinese-led EcuaCorriente.

Other projects often face delays, lawsuits, or protests. Companies complain of legal uncertainty, while communities point to broken promises and environmental damage.

• The Loma Larga case highlights this national struggle: should Ecuador chase mining wealth or protect its fragile ecosystems and community rights?
• Risks of Mining Near Paramos
• Experts explain that paramo ecosystems are unique. They:
• Capture and store rainwater.
• Release it slowly into rivers year-round.
• Support rare plants and animals found nowhere else.
• Mining in these areas risks:
• Water pollution from toxic chemicals.
• Erosion and landslides due to digging.
• Loss of biodiversity, as fragile plants are destroyed.
• Conflict with communities that depend on farming and tourism.
• Because of these risks, international environmental groups often call paramos “no-go zones” for mining.

Company’s Defense

• Dundee Precious Metals argues that its plan uses modern, safer technology. The company promises to:
• Prevent contamination with lined waste ponds.
• Reuse water instead of releasing it into rivers.
• Create jobs and bring development to poor areas.

Yet, many locals remain skeptical. They point out that mining accidents have happened worldwide, even with promises of safety. For them, the stakes—clean water—are simply too high to risk.

Political Impact

• The protests have become more than just an environmental issue. They are now a political challenge for President Noboa.
• If he cancels the project, Ecuador could face international lawsuits.
• If he allows it, he could lose public trust, especially in provinces where he needs support.
• Local mayors and governors are also under pressure. Many joined the protests, showing they side with the people rather than the company.

A Global Question

This conflict in Ecuador reflects a larger global debate: how do countries balance the demand for minerals with the need to protect nature?

Gold, copper, and silver are in high demand worldwide, especially for renewable energy technologies like solar panels and electric cars. Supporters say mining is necessary for the green transition.

But critics ask: if mining destroys water and ecosystems, is it really green? Should rich nations that consume these metals also take responsibility, instead of pushing extraction onto poorer nations?

What Happens Next

• The Energy Ministry has suspended construction until Dundee Precious Metals presents its environmental plan. After that:
• Local authorities may review and either accept or reject the plan.
• Courts may hear new legal cases brought by communities.
• Protests may continue if people are not satisfied.
• The company could also take Ecuador to international arbitration courts if its license is revoked, demanding compensation.
• Why It Matters for Ordinary People
• For families in Cuenca, the stakes are clear. Losing clean water would mean:
• Paying more for bottled water.
• Higher costs for farming.
• Health problems if rivers are polluted.
• Loss of trust in government decisions.
• For Ecuador as a whole, the case tests whether the country can build an economy that respects both nature and development needs.

The September protest in Cuenca was not just a march. It was a declaration of values: water over gold, community over corporate profit, and long-term health over short-term wealth.

With more than 90,000 people raising their voices, the government had no choice but to listen. Now, all eyes are on what happens next—whether Ecuador will protect its water and paramos or risk them for mining.

This struggle will likely shape the future of environmental policy in Ecuador and could inspire other nations facing similar dilemmas.

For now, the people of Cuenca remain firm: “Agua vale más que oro.” Water is life, and they are determined to defend it.