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| El Domo |
Canadian-Ecuadorian joint venture Curimining has postponed the construction of its Curipamba-El Domo open-pit copper mine to the first quarter of 2025, citing logistical and legal challenges. The project, initially slated to begin in July 2024, is now expected to start after the rainy season ends in March 2025.
Challenges Delaying the Project
- Infrastructure Issues:
Poor road conditions in Ecuador’s central Bolivar province have hindered the transport of equipment and workers to the site. Curimining is collaborating with local government and the Ministry of Transportation to improve access. The project site spans 290 hectares of the company’s 1,458-hectare concession and is located 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Quito.
- Environmental Permits:
Environmental groups have contested the construction permit issued by Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment, arguing that formal consultations with nearby communities have not been completed. Although a judge initially dismissed the complaint, the decision has been appealed, with the provincial court expected to rule within three weeks.
Project Overview
The Curipamba-El Domo mine will feature:
- A 50-hectare open pit and a rock-crushing and processing plant.
- Capacity to process 1,850 metric tons of ore per day, producing copper concentrate enriched with zinc and chrome.
Curimining has committed $285 million to the project’s construction. However, a new timeline for production startup has not been announced.
Copper Exports Rising in Ecuador
Ecuador’s copper concentrate exports reached 315,960 tons in the first half of 2024, a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2023, according to the country’s central bank. This growth underscores the region's increasing importance in the global copper market.
Despite the delays, Curipamba-El Domo remains a key project for expanding Ecuador's role in global copper production.
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