In a recent military operation carried out in the northern part of Ecuador, authorities reported significant economic losses estimated at $700,000 for criminal organizations involved in illegal mining activities in Imbabura province. This operation was specifically focused on the mining area near the Buenos Aires parish in the Urcuquí canton, aiming to disrupt the economic chain that supports illicit mining operations in the region.

The intervention was carried out by the Ecuadorian Army, which took decisive actions to dismantle critical infrastructure associated with illegal gold processing. Key illegal facilities, including clandestine laboratories, artisanal cooking sites, chemical storage tanks, heavy machinery, fuel supplies, and makeshift camps were destroyed. This comprehensive dismantling of the illegal facilities significantly impairs the operational capabilities of the criminal groups involved in the mining sector, as highlighted by the evaluations conducted by the military and security officials.

Authorities emphasized that the destruction of this equipment is a strategic move to undermine the financial and operational power of these illegal mining entities, which have been profiting at the expense of local communities and the environment. This operation is not only a law enforcement action but also part of broader efforts to address the serious issues associated with illegal mining in Ecuador, which have significant environmental and social implications for the region.