Martín Cordovez, Executive Director, Institute of Geological and Energy Research (IIGE)

With Ecuador’s unique portfolio of natural resources, IIGE is essential for research that can help both private and public entities better plan the development of the country’s energy and mining sectors.

• Interview

How does IIGE contribute to the production of research in strategic sectors, including energy, hydrocarbons, and mining?

The institute plays a key role in generating abilities, research, and technological development for the energy, geology and mining sectors. We conduct research on non-conventional renewable energies, such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal. Within renewable energies, one needs to consider the availability of raw material, which is different from conventional energies using diesel or gasoline. In this manner, Ecuador has specific and interesting conditions for its renewable resources, such as of solar radiation and biomass generation. Therefore, research is much needed in order to make informed decisions. For example, we continuously work with the Ministry of Non-Renewable Natural Resources and other institutions within the sector to develop solutions and alternatives that can strengthen strategic projects carried out for the benefit of the population. We also pay special attention to geology. Concerning this, we map areas that are at risk from natural disaster risks, such as landslides. In mining, we can detect anomalies in different zones, thus allowing more advanced scoping studies to be carried out in areas of interest and helping decision-makers plan the sector’s development according to available resources. Furthermore, research can help the government negotiate further investment from private entities in the sector.

How would you briefly classify Ecuador’s geological potential?

The electrical energy sector will demand the sustainable availability of raw materials to make a transition in the transport sector. For example, lithium and other elements will be much needed for batteries and other elements to increase efficiency. The potential for new elements can be found in many areas in Ecuador, which are not necessarily traditional mining commodities such as gold and silver. We have done studies on allophane, which is used in the oil sector, though we are proceeding cautiously to protect the environment where these elements are found. We have a long history of mining; Zaruma, South Co, was the most important mine in South America from 1904-1930. Today, there is still a strong, small, artisanal mining sector, and we provide training for artisanal and small-scale miners to build their skills and ensure social responsibility, efficiency, scientific background, and industrial security. We also publish several technical documents like a mining guide, an instrument that allows miners to have technical references on good practices.

How is the institute playing a role in using technology and local knowledge to strengthen the sector and promote environmental sustainability?

We cooperate extensively with international universities and research institutions abroad through research programs that later serve the community and have brought interesting findings. We want to be a strategic actor creating relations between academia, the private sector, the public sector, and civil society. Our mining engineering programs, for example, are extremely general, though large-scale mining looks for specialized professionals. We need to keep promoting the development of academia and training centers to prepare professionals in specialized skills. We also need to keep developing regulatory processes in the public sector for controls and permissions. Likewise, we have chemical and metallurgic laboratories to analyze samples for projects we are developing, where we collaborate with the sector to meet their needs. We provide services for both the public and private sectors, and we also provide specialized geological mapping, amounting to around 70% of the lab analyses we perform. We have the ISO 17025 accreditation for our laboratories. The demand for laboratories will increase as regulations for exportations are changing, and will require certifications that are locally issued by certified laboratories. Prestigious laboratories are expected to enter the country with this regulation, like Bureau Veritas, which is already working here. This will increase fair trade practices as well. Traceability and added valued will also be an interesting development for the industry. ✖

Cooperates with universities and institutions in research

Generates abilities, research, and technological development for energy and mining

Potential for new elements in Ecuador’s many areas

Martín Cordovez EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE OF GEOLOGICAL AND ENERGY RESEARCH (IIGE)