Ecuador President Noboa Reports 1,119 Illegal Mining Camps Destroyed in 2026

Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa announced the destruction of 1,119 illegal mining camps in 2026, a figure that has been rising throughout the year. The operation reflects an intensifying crackdown on illegal mining, which is often linked to organized crime and environmental damage. The announcement serves as a political signal ahead of elections, but the operational impact on illegal mining networks remains uncertain.