Xavier Vera Grunauer MINISTER OF ENERGY AND MINES

EXECUTIVE DECREE 151, which President Lasso issued in August 2021, is unique in Ecuadorian public policy because it clearly demonstrates the support of the president for the mining sector. This executive decree has five pillars, including the regulatory framework and legal insurance, the development of mining projects, and new investments. Another significant point is the transversal collaboration between the defense ministry and the government to eradicate the illegal exploitation of minerals. I should also highlight our efforts to increase transparency. Ecuador is the 55th country to join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which is an organization that pursues transparent state processes. President Lasso has given us clear signs that transparency is a fundamental pillar of this government, as part of which we will promote legal and responsible mining. We have also renewed our agreement with the Association of Mining Engineers of Ecuador (AIME) to incentivize best practices. We are also working closely with the Institute of Geological and Energy Investigation (IGE) to sign an agreement with a consortium of colleges to teach mining, environmental, and hydraulic techniques. It is essential to train our local engineers to increase job growth. Additionally, we have instituted a public-private advisory council with six leading mining embassies. We want to ensure that in the next 15 years, Ecuador will achieve the same level of exports as Peru or Chile of USD20-30 billion annually.