The drop in mining production is offset by more exports

Image: Expreso

The mining sector is one of the prioritized ones by the Ecuadorian strategy to expand its state revenue sources. But in 2014 it suffered a decline (latest figures available at the Central Bank of Ecuador) across the board.

Gold, silver, clay, limestone, kaolin, feldspar, silica, pumice reflected in the latest statistics a decline that, when measured in kilograms or tonnes,

depending on the material, can not be added to determine the absolute amount of production from one year to another. But one by one, it can be done: gold reached 8,600 kilograms in 2013 and a year later it dropped to 7,322.

Silver experienced in the same period a more drastic decline of extractions: from almost 1,200 kilograms to 577. The limestone fell from 6.8 million tonnes to 6.3. And the clay, from 1.4 million to 770,000 tons.

This drop in production contrasts with the behavior of exports. And hence, the evolution of the sector, as a participant of the Gross Domestic Product of Ecuador.

Unlike other industries, the sale of mineral products abroad has not gone badly. Exports in general totaled $ 998 million, a total of 24.064 million. That means that mining represents 4.15% of sales abroad. But last year, the figure was significantly lower: $ 555 million of a total of 24.957 million. That is, 2.23%. Only comparing 2013 and 2014.
Source: http://expreso.ec/expreso/plantillas/nota.aspx?idart=8758318&idcat=38229&tipo=2