Lundin Gold, a Canadian mining company, has launched a new exploratory campaign near its Fruta del Norte gold mine located in the Yantzaza Canton of Ecuador's Zamora Chinchipe province. This exploration involves the operation of a drilling platform discreetly positioned amidst the vegetation. The current drilling program, termed 'near mine exploration,' includes eleven surface rigs and seven underground rigs that will be operational throughout the year, aiming to drill a total of 133,000 meters. The company is investing $100 million into this venture, which is a 20% increase from its investment in 2025.

The Fruta del Norte mine was acquired by Lundin Gold in 2014 while it was still under development. Since its official start of commercial production in late 2019, the mine has been generating significant amounts of gold and silver concentrate. This new exploration initiative is part of Lundin's strategy to upgrade the mine's resources and potentially discover copper reserves that could enhance the project’s financial viability and extend its operational life.

Given the mine's successful output and Financed by committed investments, Lundin Gold's efforts signify a broader trend in the mining sector towards sustainable resource management and exploration. The results of this exploration campaign could have a significant impact on the local economy, job creation, and the future of mining in the region, positioning Ecuador as a more competitive player in the global gold market.