Mining license granted for controversial Cajas project

Mining in the Cajas region highlights tensions between economic needs and environmental protection.

Battle over the Cajas biosphere reserve raises concerns for Ecuador's ecosystems

The Cajas region in Ecuador, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, faces a new threat as Dundee Precious Metals receives a license to mine silver and gold. Local activists fear that the mining project will endanger fragile ecosystems and vital water sources, while the government claims it will generate economic benefits and jobs. The site is known for its biodiversity, including endangered mountain tapirs and endemic hummingbirds, and has been a battleground between those advocating for mining as a solution to economic troubles and environmentalists warning of its potential harm.

The conflict in the Cajas region reflects a broader trend in Ecuador, where economic pressures often clash with environmental sustainability. President Daniel Noboa's government promotes mining as a pathway to economic recovery, drawing international investment, yet local communities resist these projects fearing long-lasting ecological damage. With biodiversity at stake and local voices allegedly sidelined, the situation raises critical questions about the balance between development and conservation, as well as the government's commitment to protecting its citizens' rights.

Highlights

The outcome in Cajas may influence future mining projects across Ecuador.