He The Minister of Energy and Mining, Fernando Santos Alvite, warned that if the population votes against oil exploitation Yasuní and the exploitation of mining in the Andean Chocó, would be luck suicidal” for the state, since millions of resources for the state would no longer be received.

Although he explained that as a government he will not campaign for either Yes or No, He still urges citizens to vote according to their conscience: “We are risking the future of the country,” he said.

The statements of Minister Santos refer to the next national consultation will be held on August 20. are two. The first to consult citizens on whether or not they agree with leaving oil on land in the ITT block for an indefinite period.

The second consultation consists of four questions and is basically consulted with the public whether or not you agree with the ban on large, medium, small and artisanal metal mining in Chocó Andino de Quito. These are six parishes in the northwest, such as Nono, Nanegal, Nanegalito, Pacto, Gualea and Calacalí.

In both cases, if the citizen votes This means that you want the resources to stop being exploited. If you vote against, it means that you do not agree with the questions and want them to be used.

In that sense The minister said that stopping the exploitation of the ITT block would mean a decrease in income of 1.2 billion dollars a year. He explained that in one year it will not be possible to remove the infrastructure that has been installed there for six years and he even said that, since its installation was the result of consultations with citizens, new consultations will have to be done for its removal. He warned that if Petroecuador leaves the area, illegal loggers and illegal miners will soon arrive in that remote place to exploit these resources, which they do without any concern for the environment.

Additionallyis reflected in the sense that oil has started a phase of decline, Due to environmental issues, consumption is decreasing, so prices are expected to drop in the future. However, the engine of the economy, which is now oil, must be replaced by something, which is mining. In this sense, he said that if you vote not to exploit metal mining in Chocó, you would send a negative message to investors.

He assured that mining is the future of the country. And that currently only two mines in production have achieved 3000 million dollars in exports. He said that an example of mining being positive for the economy of citizens is that poverty indicators have improved in the cantons of Zamora Chinchipe.

Meanwhile, the election process is progressing. Actors who were interested in campaigning in both consultations could apply to the National Electoral Council (CNE) until June 26. This agency has so far confirmed the registration of ten actors for the Yasuní consultation and seven for Chocó Andino.