The Loma Larga project, owned by Canadian company Dundee Precious Metals, is located near the Quimsacocha water reserve. Local NGOs, municipal studies and environmentalists argue that the company’s Environmental Impact Assessment underestimated the risks and contains omissions that could endanger the water supply and the environmental integrity of the region.

The Ecuadorian government initially granted the project an environmental licence, but, in the face of social pressure and technical challenges, the start of operations was postponed/suspended pending additional measures (an environmental management plan, greater transparency). This triggered disputes between ministries, local authorities and the Executive.

There is strong controversy over whether the consultation with the communities affected by Loma Larga was genuinely free, prior and informed: community leaders, activists and some judges report irregularities, pressure, misinformation and a lack of safeguards; the company and part of the government maintain that the procedures were carried out in line with regulations and with technical support.

Organisations and activists denounced excessive police presence, incidents of hostility against opponents and allegations of surveillance/intimidation targeting those mobilising against the project.

In September 2025, massive marches were held (tens of thousands, up to more than 100,000 according to some media outlets), along with roadblocks and coordinated actions in Cuenca and the province of Azuay, demanding the revocation of the licence and the protection of water.

We invited Dundee Precious Metals to comment on the allegations and their response is available.