In 2025, the Ecuadorian government increased efforts to combat illegal mining through a coordinated campaign that resulted in 386 enforcement operations across the country. These actions led to an estimated economic impact of more than USD 1.16 million on criminal organizations connected to illicit mineral extraction.
The operations were carried out by the Armed Forces, National Police, Mining Regulation and Control Agency (ARCOM), and the Ministry of Environment and Energy. This initiative is part of a national policy aimed at addressing illegal mining, which authorities say finances irregular groups, harms ecosystems, threatens communities, and undermines national security.
During the final week of December alone, from December 22 to 28, eleven targeted operations took place in areas with high levels of illegal mining activity. These locations included the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe, Loja, Chimborazo, Azuay, El Oro, and Napo. Authorities reported dismantling illegal camps and disrupting logistics used for unlawful mineral extraction.
As a result of these joint efforts among state control and security agencies:
– Six machines were destroyed
– Three machines were disabled
– Twenty mine entrances were destroyed
– Nineteen sorting screens were disabled
– Nine water pumps were destroyed
– Four electric generators were destroyed
– 4,830 gallons of diesel fuel were seized or rendered unusable
“The National Government reaffirms that the fight against illegal mining is a priority not only because of its environmental impact but also because this activity feeds criminal networks and irregular groups, violates community rights, and compromises the sustainable development of the country,” according to an official statement.
