Environmental Management And Recovery Of Disturbed Areas At The Mirador Mine – Ecuador Vilma Pazmiño Quiña 1 Environmental Management Department, EcuaCorriente S.A., Ecuador (Presenting author: vilma.pazmino@corriente.com.ec) Abstract The paper describes the environmental and management conditions of the Mirador Mining Project in the southern Ecuadorian Amazon, a highly humid region characterized by intense rainfall, warm temperatures, and mountainous terrain with steep slopes that promote strong weathering and erosion. Soils are weakly developed, acidic, low in fertility, and highly susceptible to erosion. The project is located within the Zamora River basin, specifically the Quimi River sub-basin, which exhibits torrential hydrological behavior and active geomorphological processes such as landslides, erosion, and debris flows, intensified by high precipitation and mining activities. Construction of mining infrastructure increases soil exposure and erosion risk, potentially affecting drainage systems. To mitigate these impacts, environmental management measures include runoff control systems, separation of clean and process water, sedimentation ponds, and continuous environmental and meteorological monitoring. Environmental rehabilitation is a key component, focusing on revegetation through soil bioengineering techniques using pioneer species adapted to local conditions. Experimental studies identified species that are highly adaptable to acidic soils and capable of rapid vegetation cover. Hydroseeding has enabled rehabilitation of areas with native species, contributing to soil stabilization. 206
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