Mining activities will resume in Ecuador over the next few days after being at a standstill since March 25 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
About 60pc of the country’s mining activity has been halted by the pandemic, according to a statement from the Ministry of Mines and Non-renewable Natural Resources. However, upon resumption, the Ecuadorian government estimates the country’s mining and mineral exports will reach between $642mn and $1.1bn this year, and will restore 33,000 direct, and 100,000 indirect, jobs.
Last year, 1,219 shipments of lead, zinc, zeolite, silver, and gold shipments left Ecuador.
The mining industry is one of the most important economic activities in Ecuador, which will comprise about 4pc of its GDP in 2021, according government figures.