# Copper Mining News in Ecuador Canonical page: https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news?commodities=copper®ions=ecuador Atlas summarizes and classifies mining-industry stories from third-party publishers. Follow each source link for the original reporting. Results: 15 Returned: 10 Coverage: drill results, resource updates, and metallurgy; primary commodity matching; all time unless dates are supplied. Region: Ecuador (ecuador) Commodity: Copper (copper) Applied filters: {"regions":["ecuador"],"commodities":["copper"],"commodity_scope":"primary","document_types":["drill_results","resource_update","metallurgy"],"document_type_match":"any"} Sort: published_at desc Offset: 0; page size: 10 [Next page](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news.md?commodities=copper®ions=ecuador&page=2&page_size=10) ## Ecuador's Copper-Gold Buildout Is Accelerating. This Carried-Interest Play Just Got a Lot More Interesting. - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/ecuador-s-copper-gold-buildout-is-accelerating-this-carried-interest-play-just-g--32b96d60-8781-48be-ae6c-03d272e3728a) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/ecuador-s-copper-gold-buildout-is-accelerating-this-carried-interest-play-just-g--32b96d60-8781-48be-ae6c-03d272e3728a.md) - Original announcement: 2026-08-27T13:10:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRL) - Original source: [orestocks](https://orestocks.com/company/LUG.TO/press-releases/6127806021011619) - Atlas sentiment: 0.493 - Atlas tags: Tonnage Growth, Contained Metal Growth, Inferred Resource, Stale Data Re-release Salazar Resources has reported an updated technical study for the El Domo project in Ecuador, showing a 121% increase in after-tax NPV to US$573 million. The update includes a 10% increase in Mineral Reserves and significant expansion of both Measured/Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources. Salazar holds a 25% interest in the project that is fully carried through to production. ## One Mine Stake Is Already Worth Nearly 3X This Company's Entire Market Cap - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/one-mine-stake-is-already-worth-nearly-3x-this-company-s-entire-market-cap--d72e9722-d90f-4d09-825a-45d3680cf588) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/one-mine-stake-is-already-worth-nearly-3x-this-company-s-entire-market-cap--d72e9722-d90f-4d09-825a-45d3680cf588.md) - Original announcement: 2026-08-17T13:00:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRL) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/SVM/news/7553547800442125/one-mine-stake-is-already-worth-nearly-3x-this-company-s-entire-market-cap) - Atlas sentiment: 0.493 - Atlas tags: Tonnage Growth, Contained Metal Growth, QP/CP Signed Salazar Resources reports a significant increase in the value of its 25% carried interest in the El Domo project, with an updated NPV of US$573 million. Additionally, the company benefits from a new regulatory fee exemption in Ecuador and strong copper-gold porphyry indicators at its Monja project. ## Ecuador's Mining Reset Is Opening Doors. Salazar Resources Is Walking Through All of Them - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/ecuador-s-mining-reset-is-opening-doors-salazar-resources-is-walking-through-all--7dd4d2af-94d5-44c9-9fef-8200bde99711) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/ecuador-s-mining-reset-is-opening-doors-salazar-resources-is-walking-through-all--7dd4d2af-94d5-44c9-9fef-8200bde99711.md) - Original announcement: 2026-08-04T13:15:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRL) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/ERO/news/7060655063712386/ecuador-s-mining-reset-is-opening-doors-salazar-resources-is-walking-through-all) - Atlas sentiment: 0.493 - Atlas tags: None Salazar Resources has reported compelling surface sampling results at its Monja copper-gold porphyry project and a significant 121% increase in the NPV of its 25% carried interest in the El Domo project. These developments are bolstered by Ecuador's recent exemption of exploration-stage companies from oversight fees and the signing of a Canada-Ecuador free trade agreement. ## Lundin Gold Discovers Two New Copper-Gold Porphyries, Increasing District Total to Seven; Targets Early 2027 Maiden Resource Estimate for Sandia Porphyry - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-discovers-two-new-copper-gold-porphyries-increasing-district-total-t--b25c6507-1e28-45cd-b865-8003f6e79450) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-discovers-two-new-copper-gold-porphyries-increasing-district-total-t--b25c6507-1e28-45cd-b865-8003f6e79450.md) - Original announcement: 2026-07-21T21:00:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Lundin Gold Inc. (LUG) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/LUG/news/6460656488034028/lundin-gold-discovers-two-new-copper-gold-porphyries-increasing-district-total-t) - Atlas sentiment: 0.748 - Atlas tags: None Lundin Gold has announced the discovery of two new copper-gold porphyries, Sandia Northeast and Sandia Southeast, bringing the total number of identified porphyry centers in the Fruta del Norte district to seven. Ongoing drilling at the Sandia deposit has expanded its footprint significantly with several long intercepts of copper-gold mineralization, reinforcing its status as the largest and highest-grade system in the area. The company is now targeting a maiden mineral resource estimate for the Sandia porphyry in early 2027, marking a key advancement in its exploration program. ## Tier One Silver Signs Letter of Intent to Option 70% of Compañía Minera Ruta De Cobre, S.A., Holder of Copper-Molybdenum Project, Ecuador - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/tier-one-silver-signs-letter-of-intent-to-option-70-of-compa-xf1-xed-a-minera-ru--8f39390e-2476-4032-b697-01ee1cab7e57) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/tier-one-silver-signs-letter-of-intent-to-option-70-of-compa-xf1-xed-a-minera-ru--8f39390e-2476-4032-b697-01ee1cab7e57.md) - Original announcement: 2026-06-30T13:20:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Tier One Silver Inc. (TSLV) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/TSLV/news/5517337951378991/tier-one-silver-signs-letter-of-intent-to-option-70-of-compa-xf1-xed-a-minera-ru) - Atlas sentiment: 0.354 - Atlas tags: Inferred Resource, Historical Estimate Only Tier One Silver has signed a Letter of Intent to acquire a 70% controlling interest in the RDC copper-molybdenum porphyry project in Ecuador for a total purchase price of US$39.4 million. The agreement includes a commitment to fund at least $64.4 million in exploration expenditures over six years. The project currently holds a historical, all-inferred resource estimate. ## Salazar Resources Further Defines Copper-Gold Porphyry Mineralization at Monja Project, Ecuador, with Rock Samples Up To 1.71% Cu and Strong Soil Anomalies - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/salazar-resources-further-defines-copper-gold-porphyry-mineralization-at-monja-p--a1f7bfcf-74bf-4e46-b83a-0d28433091f0) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/salazar-resources-further-defines-copper-gold-porphyry-mineralization-at-monja-p--a1f7bfcf-74bf-4e46-b83a-0d28433091f0.md) - Original announcement: 2026-06-30T10:45:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRL) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/SRL/news/5472448002650877/salazar-resources-further-defines-copper-gold-porphyry-mineralization-at-monja-p) - Atlas sentiment: 0.532 - Atlas tags: QA/QC Disclosed, QP/CP Signed, Porphyry Deposit, Bonanza Intercept, Apparent Width Only, Selective Sampling, Step-Out Extension, Exploration Stage Salazar Resources has reported new rock and soil sampling results from its 100%-owned Monja Project in Ecuador, further defining copper-gold porphyry mineralization. High-grade rock samples returned up to 1.71% Cu, 0.99 g/t Au, 10.3 g/t Ag, and 162 ppm Mo, while strong soil anomalies indicate lateral extension over a 1.5 km by 0.5 km area. These surface results confirm the scale and continuity of the porphyry system, with future plans for geophysical surveys to refine drill targets. ## A New Copper-Gold Porphyry Target in Southern Ecuador Lands on Salazar Resources' Cornerstone Project Map - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/a-new-copper-gold-porphyry-target-in-southern-ecuador-lands-on-salazar-resources--c5110948-b0e7-4385-a220-2e8ec3a6945d) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/a-new-copper-gold-porphyry-target-in-southern-ecuador-lands-on-salazar-resources--c5110948-b0e7-4385-a220-2e8ec3a6945d.md) - Original announcement: 2026-05-26T13:46:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRL) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/TKO/news/6689379792274662/a-new-copper-gold-porphyry-target-in-southern-ecuador-lands-on-salazar-resources) - Atlas sentiment: 0.311 - Atlas tags: Nearology Play Salazar Resources has identified a new copper-gold porphyry target at its 100%-owned Monja Project in southern Ecuador. Surface mapping and rock chip sampling revealed a 2 km x 1 km mineralized core, with the best sample returning 4.77% Cu, 1.12 g/t Au, and 19.5 g/t Ag. ## Lundin Gold Extends Porphyry Corridor to 10km's with Discovery of Fifth Porphyry; Sandia Returns Highest Grade Intercept to Date Including 322 Metres of 1.08% CuEq - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-extends-porphyry-corridor-to-10km-s-with-discovery-of-fifth-porphyry--a31e63b6-a1ef-4ac5-91f8-e216d1169eee) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-extends-porphyry-corridor-to-10km-s-with-discovery-of-fifth-porphyry--a31e63b6-a1ef-4ac5-91f8-e216d1169eee.md) - Original announcement: 2026-02-12T23:00:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: 2026-09-21T08:16:06.302Z - Atlas analysis updated: 2026-09-21T08:16:06.302Z - Company: Lundin Gold Inc. (LUG) - Original source: [yahoo_press](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lundin-gold-extends-porphyry-corridor-230000739.html) - Atlas sentiment: 0.903 - Atlas tags: Step-Out Extension, Bonanza Intercept Lundin Gold has discovered a fifth porphyry, extending its porphyry corridor to 10km at the Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador. The drilling at Sandia returned the highest grade intercept to date, including 322 metres of 1.08% CuEq. ## Solaris Extends Warintza Central to South, Southeast and Still Open; Maiden Drilling Results from Warintza South Expected in January - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/solaris-extends-warintza-central-to-south-southeast-and-still-open-maiden-drilli--6237c892-6b28-48ec-b7f1-43e275305fd9) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/solaris-extends-warintza-central-to-south-southeast-and-still-open-maiden-drilli--6237c892-6b28-48ec-b7f1-43e275305fd9.md) - Original announcement: 2021-12-14T12:30:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Solaris Resources Inc. (SLS) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/SLS/news/8768614174128715/solaris-extends-warintza-central-to-south-southeast-and-still-open-maiden-drilli) - Atlas sentiment: 0.738 - Atlas tags: None Solaris Resources announced new drill results from its Warintza Central project in Ecuador, extending mineralization to the south and southeast with several long, high-grade copper equivalent intercepts. The company highlighted that the highest-grade intervals within each hole started at or near surface, and mineralization remains open. Additionally, maiden drilling results from the Warintza South target are anticipated in January, signaling further exploration upside. ## Solaris Reports 920m of 0.62% CuEq and 1,080m of 0.41% CuEq; Warintza Central Extended up to 600m Width and Open - Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/solaris-reports-920m-of-0-62-cueq-and-1-080m-of-0-41-cueq-warintza-central-exten--a2796901-598f-4202-b8d3-312f07fac6b0) · [Markdown](https://atlas-staging.minestarters.com/news/solaris-reports-920m-of-0-62-cueq-and-1-080m-of-0-41-cueq-warintza-central-exten--a2796901-598f-4202-b8d3-312f07fac6b0.md) - Original announcement: 2021-11-15T12:30:00.000Z - Atlas analysis published: Unknown date - Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date - Company: Solaris Resources Inc. (SLS) - Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/SLS/news/5211020619717847/solaris-reports-920m-of-0-62-cueq-and-1-080m-of-0-41-cueq-warintza-central-exten) - Atlas sentiment: 0.738 - Atlas tags: None Solaris Resources announced new drill results from its Warintza Central project in Ecuador, highlighted by 920m of 0.62% CuEq and 1,080m of 0.41% CuEq. These intercepts extend the mineralization to the south and east, with high-grade zones starting near surface. The company noted that the Warintza Central zone is broadening and remains open for further expansion. # Atlas tag definitions - **Bonanza Intercept:** Exceptionally high-grade zone, well above the deposit-type norm. - **True Width Disclosed:** Actual thickness perpendicular to structure is stated, not just downhole length. - **Step-Out Extension:** Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit. - **QA/QC Disclosed:** Release includes QA/QC disclosure — certified lab, QP sign-off, or stated methods (blanks, standards, duplicates). - **Compositing Transparent:** Cut-off grade and internal dilution rules are clearly stated for reported intervals. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Apparent Width Only:** Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness. - **Stale Data Re-release:** Historical results re-announced with no new assays or reinterpretation — low genuine novelty. - **No QA/QC Disclosure:** Release does not disclose QA/QC — lab certification, CP/QP sign-off and assay protocols cannot be checked from this document. - **Metal Equivalent Opaque:** Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Deleterious Elements Present:** Penalty elements (arsenic, antimony, etc.) or refractory concerns noted in the release. - **Infill Drilling:** Confirmatory drilling to raise resource confidence, not new discovery. - **Nearology Play:** Value premise rests on proximity to a known deposit rather than own results. - **Measured Resource:** Highest confidence category — tonnage, grade, shape well-established from closely-spaced drilling. Basis for Proven Reserves. - **Indicated Resource:** Reasonable geological confidence based on adequate drilling; continuity can be assumed. Basis for Probable Reserves. - **Proven Reserve:** Measured Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Probable Reserve:** Indicated Resource with demonstrated economic viability after applying modifying factors. - **Category Upgrade:** Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal. - **Tonnage Growth:** Significant tonnage increase (≥15%) vs prior estimate with grade maintained or improved. - **Grade Improvement:** Average resource grade improved vs prior estimate — better deposit economics. - **Contained Metal Growth:** True scale improvement — contained metal ounces/tonnes increased vs prior, accounting for both tonnage and grade changes. - **QP/CP Signed:** Qualified Person (QP) or Competent Person (CP) named and signed off — a member of a recognized professional association (e.g., AusIMM, SME, AIG, P.Geo) with relevant experience. - **Cut-off Disclosed:** Cut-off grade used for resource reporting is clearly stated, enabling like-for-like comparison. - **JORC Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with JORC Code (Australia) — high reporting standard. - **NI 43-101 Compliant:** Resource estimate prepared in compliance with NI 43-101 (Canada) — high reporting standard. - **Inferred Resource:** Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone. - **All Inferred:** 100% of resource is Inferred category — very early stage, no engineering confidence. - **Grade Decline:** Average grade dropped >5% vs prior estimate — deposit economics worsening. May indicate high-grading in early drilling. - **Tonnage Decline:** Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down. - **Category Downgrade:** Resource confidence decreased — Measured downgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Inferred. Unusual and concerning. - **Contained Metal Decline:** Contained metal decreased vs prior despite tonnage growth — grade dilution exceeds volume gain. - **Dilutive Growth:** Tonnage increased but contained metal flat or down — likely from lower cut-off grade, not geological expansion. - **Cut-off Lowered:** Cut-off grade significantly reduced vs prior estimate — tonnage growth may be artificial inflation. - **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers. - **Historical Estimate Only:** Estimate pre-dates or does not comply with current JORC/NI 43-101 standards — requires verification drilling. - **Stale Estimate:** Effective date is >2 years old — data currency concern, may not reflect current geological understanding. - **No Contained Metal:** Tonnage and grade reported but contained metal not calculated or disclosed — incomplete reporting. - **No QP/CP Disclosure:** No Qualified Person or Competent Person named — lower credibility for the estimate. A QP/CP should be a member of a recognized professional association with relevant experience. - **Maiden Resource:** First formal MRE for the project — establishes baseline but typically exploration-stage with high Inferred component. - **Resource Update:** Revised estimate for an existing resource — compare to prior to assess progress. - **PEA-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Preliminary Economic Assessment — early-stage study. - **PFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Pre-Feasibility Study — requires adequate M&I component. - **DFS-Supporting:** Resource estimate prepared to support a Definitive Feasibility Study — requires high M&I confidence. - **High Recovery:** Recovery at or above the exceptional band for the commodity and processing route. - **Pilot Scale Complete:** Pilot or demonstration plant testing completed under continuous operation. - **Free Milling:** Simple, clean ore amenable to standard processing without oxidation. - **Multi-Domain Tested:** Variability across ore domains (oxide, transition, fresh) has been addressed. - **Recovery Improving:** Recovery improved versus a like-for-like prior test program on the same domain and route. - **Low Recovery:** Recovery below the weak band for the commodity and processing route. - **Bench Scale Only:** Only preliminary bench tests completed — no locked-cycle or pilot work. - **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery. - **Single Domain Only:** Testing limited to one composite or domain — representativeness not established. - **Recovery Stagnant:** No improvement across multiple test programs on comparable material. - **Theoretical Recovery Only:** Only theoretical or liberation-derived recovery reported, with no actual test result. - **Heap Leach Route:** Processing via heap leach — lower CAPEX and OPEX, lower recovery expected. - **Mill Route:** Processing via mill or concentrator (CIL, CIP, tank leach, flotation). - **Gravity Route:** Gravity separation forms a material part of the flowsheet. - **POX/BIOX Route:** Pressure or bio-oxidation for refractory ore — high CAPEX and OPEX. - **Byproduct Commodity:** The tested commodity is a byproduct rather than the primary economic driver.