Saralnama
The Rio Blanco gold and silver mine in Ecuador was closed by a court in 2018 after protests by local activists. The mine's closure has caused divisions and violence in the nearby village of Rio Blanco, where about 80 families live. Some residents supported the mine for jobs, while others opposed it due to environmental damage and water pollution. Since the closure, there have been murders, kidnappings, and attacks linked to tensions between pro- and anti-mining groups. The government and mining company want to restart the mine, but legal battles continue. Poverty and lack of other jobs make the conflict worse. The situation shows the challenges of mining in sensitive areas and the need for fair consultation with local communities. (Updated 27 Aug 2025, 19:55 IST; source: link)