History, Current Situation and Challenges of Gold Mining in Ecuador’s Litoral Region

Carlos Mestanza-Ramón, Selene Paz-Mena, Carlos López-Paredes, Mirian Jimenez-Gutierrez, Greys Herrera-Morales, Giovanni D’Orio and Salvatore Straface
Additional contact information
Carlos Mestanza-Ramón: Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
Selene Paz-Mena: Green Amazon, Research Center, Nueva Loja 210150, Ecuador
Carlos López-Paredes: Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca 220001, Ecuador
Mirian Jimenez-Gutierrez: Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca 220001, Ecuador
Greys Herrera-Morales: Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo, Sede Orellana, El Coca 220001, Ecuador
Giovanni D’Orio: Department of Economics, Statistics and Finance, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, 87036 Rende, Italy
Salvatore Straface: Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy

Land, 2021, vol. 10, issue 11, 1-18

Abstract: Gold mining in Ecuador has been present in the country since Inca times; over the years interest in the mineral has increased, leading to the creation of legislation to control the mining sector in a safe manner. The Litoral region consists of seven provinces, six of which have registered gold concessions; the most affected provinces are El Oro and Esmeraldas. The objective of this study was to analyze the historical and current situation of artisanal and industrial gold mining in the Litoral region of Ecuador. Different methodologies were used for the elaboration of this study, including bibliographic review, grey literature, field interviews and a validation of expert judgment. The main results indicate that El Oro and Esmeraldas are essentially the most conflictive areas in the region, as they have sometimes had to establish precautionary measures due to the risks caused by illegal mining. In addition, in both areas there is a great socioeconomic impact ranging from lack of opportunities, forgetfulness, migration, emigration, and violation of rights, among others. With respect to environmental impacts, the study highlights the contamination of water sources (which leads to a lack of drinking water for people), and damage to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Finally, the study concludes that the authorities should control the mining sector more by implementing more laws and carrying out inspections to put an end to illegal gold mining, in order to improve the situation in the areas.

Keywords: mercury; gold; socioeconomic impacts; political management; environmental management (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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