Ecuador's New Mining Decree Keeps Industry and Activists Weighing In

Ecuador's National Constituent Assembly approved a new mining decree last week, which purports to suspend all large scale mining exploration until the executive government rewrites the country's mining law. It's been estimated that the decision could result in the cancellation of up to 80% of existing mineral concessions without compensation. In response, the executive government of President Rafael Correa is both trying to comfort companies with a pro-mining stance, while assuring the Ecuadorian public with promises of greater state participation – but the industry and activists are on their toes. The mining industry promises to launch a new campaign for responsible mining, while anti-mining activists are keeping the pressure on to implement the decree and lobby to have Ecuador declared free of large scale mining. FSRN's Jen Moore has more from Cuenca.

Click here for the April 23, 2008 Newscast