On September 3, 2025, Atico Mining Corporation announced the completion of the Community Participation Process for Environmental Consultation (PPC) for its La Plata copper-gold- zinc project in Ecuador. The PPC is a legally mandated process that ensures communities living near proposed mining projects are formally informed about potential environmental and social impacts, and have the opportunity to voice concerns before an exploitation license can be issued. Completing this step marks a critical milestone for Atico, as it advances toward securing the necessary permits to move the project into its next phase of development.
The consultation reflects growing recognition in Ecuador and across Latin America that the success of large- scale mining projects depends not only on geology and capital, but also on community acceptance and transparent governance. In many cases, projects have faced years of delay—or outright cancellation—when stakeholders felt excluded or misled. By engaging communities through the PPC, Atico has taken a step toward strengthening its license to operate, mitigating the risk of conflict, and aligning with both national regulations and international best practices for social and environmental accountability.
While the completion of the PPC does not guarantee smooth sailing ahead, it sets a foundation for greater legitimacy and dialogue. Communities now expect continued monitoring, compliance with environmental safeguards, and tangible benefits from the project. For investors and policymakers, the La Plata case highlights a broader lesson: in resource-rich but socially complex regions like the Andes, proactive consultation and genuine engagement are far less costly than dealing with the fallout of conflict and mistrust. Ecuador’s approach thus offers a timely reminder that prevention, rooted in dialogue and respect, is always cheaper than reaction.