Ecuadorean lawmakers pass reform geared at driving mining investment

Ecuador's National Assembly on Thursday approved reforms proposed by President Daniel Noboa aimed at boosting the nation's mining sector, but that have been criticised by environmentalists and indigenous groups.

The changes include modifications to environmental permitting processes, part of an effort to attract investment to an industry that has struggled to gain traction. The reforms passed with 77 votes in favor, 70 against and four abstentions.

Key among the changes is the replacement of the current environmental license with a broader “environmental authorisation” for mining.