The Ministry of Energy and Mines has officially announced the start of a progressive process of opening the National Mining Cadastre. This measure, long awaited by the actors in the sector, is part of a state policy aimed at institutional strengthening, transparency in mining management and the promotion of new responsible investments.
The opening begins with the special regime for small non-metallic mining, and it is expected that the other regimes, including metallic mining, will be enabled until December 2025.
The relevant provisions and actions announced by the authorities are summarized below:
- Provision for the initiation of administrative procedures before ARCOM.
By means of an official communication dated 16 June, the Ministry of Energy and Mines has instructed the Agency for the Regulation and Control of Mining – ARCOM to initiate the necessary administrative procedures to issue the resolution that makes the opening of the National Mining Cadastre viable.
- Issuance of a resolution by ARCOM
Between June 24 and 27, 2025, the issuance of the resolution is expected to formally establish the opening of the National Mining Cadastre, in its initial phase corresponding to the special regime for non-metallic small-scale mining.
- Reform of the instructions for non-metallic concessions
Between June 20 and 23, 2025, a Ministerial Agreement will be issued by which the “Instructions for the Granting of Non-Metallic Mining Concessions under the Special Regime for Small Mining in the Petition Process” will be reformed, with the aim of adapting its content to the operational conditions of the new process.
- Communication and opening of attention to the public
On June 28, the Ministry of Energy and Mines will officially notify citizens and actors in the sector of the opening of physical and electronic windows enabled for the process of receiving applications within the framework of the special regime.
- Official opening of the National Mining Cadastre
On June 28, 2025, the official opening of the National Mining Cadastre for the special regime for small non-metallic mining will take place. This measure will allow the reception of new applications and the reactivation of halted processes, generating investment and employment opportunities on a national scale.
- Progressive opening of the cadastre for the other mining regimes
The National Government has indicated that the opening of the Mining Cadastre corresponding to the other regimes, including metal mining, will be carried out progressively until December 2025, as the required technical, administrative and regulatory conditions are consolidated.
These actions mark a significant step towards the reactivation of the Ecuadorian mining sector and consolidate a state commitment to the orderly, transparent and sustainable development of mining activities in the country.
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This bulletin contains a summary of legal developments of interest, and therefore cannot be considered as provided advice. If you have any questions, please contact the AVL Abogados team.
