Toronto ( Canada), 6 mar ( EFE).- representatives of the Ecuadorian mining sector today welcomed the signing of the first “ mega-project” extraction of copper in Toronto and ahead of the agreement is the first step in the development of this line of the country’s economy.
In statements to Efe, the general manager of the national mining company of Ecuador (MNAS), Fabián Rueda, described the agreement as a “giant step” while that Santiago Yépez Dávila, President of the Chamber of Ecuador mining, said it was a “historic milestone”.
Both wheel as Yépez is located in Toronto to participate in one of the largest fairs of mining in the world, PDAC, that takes place in the Canadian city until morning.
Yesterday, Quito signed with the Chinese company Ecuacorriente by almost $ 1.5 billion to develop the first “mega-project” extraction of copper from open sky, in the the sector El Pangui in the Amazon province of Zamora-Chinchipe bordering Peru.
Wheel stated that “in the short term, yesterday was a huge step which was the signing of the first Convention for exploitation on a large scale copper”.
“In the short term we already see copper starts to become a spearhead in what means mining on a large scale in Ecuador.” “The expectations of the own MNAS, which also has concessions in copper, are to consolidate in this mineral” added.
Yépez Dávila, meanwhile said that “This opens us many good possibilities for the future and we have especially great intention that Ecuador place as a great mining country on a very large scale in the coming years”.
Both wheel as Yépez indicated along with copper, gold is another mineral that Ecuador can become a major producer.
Wheel said that prospects for growth of MNAS, which was established only two years ago, are good, especially in gold and ferrous arenas.
“Have high expectations with regard to the generation of resources in different minerals: as much as copper, gold and ferrous arenas that are a great potential which we are about to start farms on a large scale”, explained the Manager of the national mining company.
Yépez highlighted two Canadian companies, Kinross and Iamgold, projects for the exploitation of stocks of gold as well as Panantza San Carlos of ExplorCobres.
“The Government has determined 5 strategic projects is driving and would be the first to sign contracts for the exploitation.” We started with the Ecuacorriente contract and obviously the next will be in fruit of the North of Kinross. “We have the project White River of Iamgold, Quinsacocha of Iamgold and Panantza San Carlos of Explorcobres,” said Yépez.
With respect to the concern in Ecuadorian sectors that these large mining projects can have a negative impact irreparable damage in the country, both MNA Manager as the representative of the Chamber of Ecuador the mining said that Quito has established strong environmental controls.
“Now the Ecuador has released regulations and laws that are very respectful with the environment.” “The regulations are very strict and all companies, both public and private, must follow all those steps and phases required prior to any first of be exploration and not to mention exploitation”, argued wheel.
“We consider that it is prudent to maintain the minimized risks and comply with all environmental standards as well as to social participation in the mining sector,” added Yépez.
General manager of the national mining company of Ecuador (MNAS), Fabián Rueda, described the agreement as a “giant step” while Santiago Yépez Dávila, President of the Chamber of Ecuador mining, said it was a “historic milestone”. EFE/file
