Government says mining contaminated Azuay rivers - Ecuador

By Business News Americas staff reporters

Ecuador's minister of mines and oil, Galo Chiriboga, has verified that some zones of Azuay province have been affected by mining activity, the ministry said in a statement.

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On a visit to the area, Chiriboga observed that water used by mining companies to process minerals is deposited in nearby rivers, such as the Chico, Bala, Siete and Tenguel, the statement said.

The statement did not mention which companies might be the cause of pollution.

The official announced that a project prepared by the Universidad de Guayaquil will be implemented to remediate damage caused by mining activity.

Visits to the zone are part of a mining dialogue that aims to reach agreements on a new mining bill. "The mining law should consist of the opinions of the towns and the residents. The mining law should not be drawn up by the miners alone," Chiriboga said.

In April, Ecuador's constituent assembly approved a mining mandate to suspend mining concessions for 180 days while a new bill was being drafted for the sector.

There are nearly 4,000 mining concessions in the exploration phase in Ecuador and roughly 600 in early development.