A 15-days-long blockade on the road into Lundin Gold Inc.’s Fruta del Norte gold mine in Ecuador has been lifted. The blockade, which had been impeding transport of supplies and concentrate from the mine, was initiated by a group of local community members after a bridge in Los Encuentros, about 20 kilometers from the mine, collapsed into the river.
There were no injuries after the collapse, but the protesters were upset over the lack of progress on the construction of a new bridge, which will be funded by Lundin Gold and local and national stakeholders, and the condition of the older bridge. The company has agreed to provide $3 million for the construction of a new public bridge.
Following extensive efforts by the company, a resolution was reached, and the blockade was lifted, according to Lundin Gold.
Operations continued throughout the blockade and the company said it is maintaining its 2020 guidance.