Archive · 17 Sep 2025
Ecuador Protests Dundee Mine Project Over Water Reserve Concerns
Imagine a company wants to dig for gold near where people get their water.
Lots of people in Ecuador are worried this could hurt their water supply, so they marched in the streets to protest.
They're concerned about the Quimsacocha reserve, which is like a giant sponge that gives them clean water.
The government initially approved the project, but now it's paused and is passing responsibility to local authorities.
The protesters want the government to cancel the project because they think water is more important than the mine.
The company hasn't commented yet.
Tens of thousands of people protested against the Dundee Precious Metals mining project in Ecuador.
The protests occurred in Cuenca, Ecuador, due to concerns about the Quimsacocha water reserve.
Protesters demanded the revocation of the environmental license for the project.
Ecuador's government suspended the start of construction until an environmental management plan is provided.
The President of Ecuador has stated the municipality and prefecture must take responsibility.
- Who
- Tens of thousands of residents and local leaders, Dundee Precious Metals, Ecuador's government.
- What
- Protests against the Dundee Precious Metals mining project.
- When
- Tuesday
- Where
- Cuenca, Azuay province, Ecuador.
- Why
- Concerns over the project's potential impact on the Quimsacocha water reserve.
- Project Company
- Dundee Precious Metals (Canada)
- Location of Mine
- Loma Larga, Ecuador
- Water Reserve Impacted
- Quimsacocha Reserve
- Protestors
- Tens of thousands of residents and local leaders
- Date of Protest
- Tuesday
- Protest Location
- Cuenca, Ecuador
- Government Stance
- Suspended construction, deferred responsibility