Ecuadoran province seeks public consultation to curb mining

Ecuador's Azuay province requested the constitutional court to authorize a popular consultation that could affect mining concessions.

The polls would ask if residents want to prohibit - without exceptions - exploration and exploitation activities of metal mining in areas with water resources, swamps and other sensitive zones, the province's leader Yaku Pérez told press while submitting the request.

The second question will ask if residents agree with the expiration of mining concessions or titles granted in these critical areas before the popular consultation (if applicable).

Azuay hosts several mining projects such as the Loma Larga gold and silver projects of Canada's INV Metals and Junefield's Río Blanco.

This is Pérez's second attempt to stop mining in Azuay; the first, carried out last year, was denied by the constitutional court.

In case the court denies the request again, Pérez said he would promote a national consultation.