Deputy Minister of Energy Javier Subía resigned Tuesday, a week after announcing that the Loma Linda gold mine project was “still alive” and could be resumed in the future. In accepting the resignation, Minister of Energy Inés Manzano’s said Subía’s departure is part of a “restructuring” of the Energy Ministry.
Minister of Energy Inés Manzano
According to an unnamed ministry staff member, Subía’s comments, made December 11 at a meeting of mining companies and contractors, contradicted the official position of the government and were not authorized. On September 18, following a protest march against the proposed mine by more than 100,000 in Cuenca, President Daniel Noboa said Loma Larga was “off the table permanently.”
In a video posted on social media Sunday, Subía was shown telling mining interests that the ministry planned a new environmental study to “overcome doubts” about the mine’s impact on water sources in Azuay Province. “Although Loma Linda is currently suspended, we hope to resolve the complicating issues in the future so that the project can proceed.”
The Cuenca Cabildo Popular for the Water reacted angrily to Subía’s comments, demanding clarification from the government. “In September, the government promised Loma Linda was suspended forever and that its license was revoked,” the group said in a statement. “If the policy now is to resurrect the project this is a complete betrayal of the people of Cuenca and of Ecuador.”
Cuenca Mayor Cristian Zamora also criticized Subía’s comments, demanding a “full explanation” from the government.
In announcing Subía’s resignation, Manzano said the government has not changed its September position regarding Loma Larga. “We are not going forward with the exploitation of the Loma Larga concession — there will be no mine in Quimsacocha. We made this clear three months ago and our position has not changed.”
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