Ecuador reopens its mining concession registry

Ecuador has begun reopening its National Mining Cadastre, which had been closed since January 2018 due to irregularities in the concession system. The registry is being rolled out in phases, starting on June 16, 2025, with small-scale non-metallic mining (such as limestone and clay). As planned, small-scale metallic mining (copper, gold, etc.) will follow in September 2025, and larger or other categories will open in early 2026. This phased approach stems from a broader government push, led by President Daniel Noboa and the Ministry of Mines, to stimulate investment, reduce illegal mining, and restore transparency and efficiency to the sector.