Ecuadorian Army Destroys Illegal Mining Camp in Carchi Province

The Ecuadorian Armed Forces carried out a targeted operation in the parish of El Chical, Tulcán canton, Carchi province, to dismantle a clandestine mining camp. Soldiers located and destroyed all mining machinery, explosives, and materials used by the criminal network, including a generator, an industrial drill, three loading pulleys, 200 sacks of gold‑bearing ore, cables, ropes, and components for homemade explosives. Authorities reported the seizure represents a financial hit of roughly $32,500 for the organized crime group that ran the operation.

The raid is part of the military’s broader effort to curb illegal mining activities that threaten environmental security and fund organized crime in northern Ecuador. Evidence from the operation will be handed to judicial authorities for further investigation and prosecution of the camp’s leaders.