The Ecuadorian government has taken significant action to protect the environment and conserve water sources by suspending 89 mining concessions and 54 plants in the provinces of Napo, Loja, and El Oro since February 2. This decision was announced by the Ministry of Environment and Energy, which stated that these measures are aimed at ensuring the sustainable management of natural resources in the affected areas. The suspension supports a broader initiative to prioritize ecological conservation amid pressures from mining activities.

In the province of Loja, 46 mining concessions were suspended, equating to 46% of the total concessions in that area. In Napo, 43 out of 51 concessions, or 84%, were halted, reflecting a significant governmental commitment to enforcing environmental regulations. El Oro saw a suspension of 54 processing plants out of 105, marking 51% of the establishments in that region. These figures emphasize the government’s aggressive push to regulate mining operations while protecting vital water resources.

This initiative by President Daniel Noboa's administration, underscored by the issuance of Resolution No. MAE-MAE-2026-0005-RM, represents a critical step toward environmental governance in Ecuador. With technical support from the Agency for Regulation and Control, the government asserts that these suspensions are necessary for the long-term sustainability of the area's ecosystems and public health. The actions taken could set a precedent for future mining regulations and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship in the face of economic development challenges.