# Gold Mining News in Ecuador

Canonical page: https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news?commodities=gold&regions=ecuador

Atlas summarizes and classifies mining-industry stories from third-party publishers. Follow each source link for the original reporting.

Results: 23
Returned: 10
Coverage: drill results, resource updates, and metallurgy; primary commodity matching; all time unless dates are supplied.
Region: Ecuador (ecuador)
Commodity: Gold (gold)
Applied filters: {"regions":["ecuador"],"commodities":["gold"],"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-extractions.minestarters.com/news.md?commodities=gold&regions=ecuador&page=2&page_size=10)

## MiningNewsBreaks - Auro Metals Inc. (TSX.V: AURO) (OTCQB: AURFF) Intersects 905.22 Metres at 0.60 g/t Gold and 0.12% Copper at Santa Barbara

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/miningnewsbreaks-auro-metals-inc-tsx-v-auro-otcqb-aurff-intersects-905-22-metres--de9727a8-a1ce-4c29-927e-bb24f18ed506) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/miningnewsbreaks-auro-metals-inc-tsx-v-auro-otcqb-aurff-intersects-905-22-metres--de9727a8-a1ce-4c29-927e-bb24f18ed506.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-16T16:05:19.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Auro Metals Inc. (AURO.V)
- Original source: [orestocks](https://orestocks.com/company/AURO.V/press-releases/7964094165997618)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.332
- Atlas tags: Step-Out Extension, QA/QC Disclosed

Auro Metals Inc. reported significant drill results from its Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project in Ecuador, highlighted by a 905.22m intercept in hole DSB-68. The company is transitioning to a 20,000-metre Phase II program to test extensions and conduct infill drilling.

## Auro Intersects 905m Grading 0.60 g/t Gold and 0.12% Copper and Commences 20,000 Metre - Phase II Drill Program at the Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project, Ecuador

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/auro-intersects-905m-grading-0-60-g-t-gold-and-0-12-copper-and-commences-20-000--790c014f-cd48-4325-ada9-6042f69263a8) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/auro-intersects-905m-grading-0-60-g-t-gold-and-0-12-copper-and-commences-20-000--790c014f-cd48-4325-ada9-6042f69263a8.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-15T21:11:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Auro Metals Inc. (AURO)
- Original source: [newsfile](https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/314452/Auro-Intersects-905m-Grading-0.60-gt-Gold-and-0.12-Copper-and-Commences-20000-Metre-Phase-II-Drill-Program-at-the-Santa-Barbara-GoldCopper-Project-Ecuador)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.738
- Atlas tags: Bonanza Intercept, Bonanza Intercept, Step-Out Extension, QA/QC Disclosed, Compositing Transparent, Metal Equivalent Opaque, Apparent Width Only, Infill Drilling

Auro Metals Inc. announced significant gold-copper drill results from its Santa Barbara Gold-Copper Project in Ecuador, highlighted by a 905.22-meter intercept grading 0.60 g/t gold and 0.12% copper in hole DSB-68. The company also commenced a 20,000-meter Phase II drill program to test extensions, infill gaps, and explore new targets, following the successful completion of its 11,047-meter Phase I program. The results indicate that mineralization remains open at depth and down-dip, with plans for initial metallurgical test work underway.

## Titan Minerals expands Dynasty Gold footprint - ICYMI

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/titan-minerals-expands-dynasty-gold-footprint-icymi--65805f1a-acd1-4df2-bb66-bbee2239607e) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/titan-minerals-expands-dynasty-gold-footprint-icymi--65805f1a-acd1-4df2-bb66-bbee2239607e.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-12T00:18:04.362Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Titan Minerals Ltd (TTM)
- Original source: [proactiveinvestors](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1098326/titan-minerals-expands-dynasty-gold-footprint-icymi-1098326.html)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.409
- Atlas tags: Step-Out Extension, Infill Drilling

Titan Minerals has reported extensional and infill drilling results at its Dynasty Gold Project in Ecuador, including a 16m intercept at 2.8 g/t Au and 9.1 g/t Ag. The company is expanding its drilling program to 30,000 metres and targets a resource update and scoping study in Q1 next year.

## Small cap wrap: Ocean Power Technologies, Domestic Metals, Purepoint Uranium...

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/small-cap-wrap-ocean-power-technologies-domestic-metals-purepoint-uranium--b267d2af-794a-4f3a-be93-f5fa8b07c726) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/small-cap-wrap-ocean-power-technologies-domestic-metals-purepoint-uranium--b267d2af-794a-4f3a-be93-f5fa8b07c726.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-12T00:18:04.359Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Titan Minerals Ltd (TTM)
- Original source: [proactiveinvestors](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1098454/small-cap-wrap-ocean-power-technologies-domestic-metals-purepoint-uranium-1098454.html)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.436
- Atlas tags: Step-Out Extension

Titan Minerals Ltd reported extensional and infill drilling results from its Dynasty Gold Project in Ecuador. A notable intercept of 16 metres at 2.8 g/t gold and 9.1 g/t silver was highlighted, representing a 30-metre step-out beyond the current resource.

## The Cheapest Way to Own a Copper Mine Is to Let Someone Else Build It

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/the-cheapest-way-to-own-a-copper-mine-is-to-let-someone-else-build-it--ea652cba-f91b-4adc-9a6c-e49d0fa107ea) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/the-cheapest-way-to-own-a-copper-mine-is-to-let-someone-else-build-it--ea652cba-f91b-4adc-9a6c-e49d0fa107ea.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-11T23:58:40.185Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRLZF)
- Original source: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-cheapest-way-to-own-a-copper-mine-is-to-let-someone-else-build-it-302872897.html)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.347
- Atlas tags: None

Salazar Resources Limited provided an update on the construction progress of the Curipamba-El Domo polymetallic project in Ecuador, where it holds a 25% carried interest. The project features proven and probable reserves of 7.13 Mt grading 2.55 g/t Au, 47.82 g/t Ag, 1.93% Cu, 0.26% Pb, and 2.63% Zn, with commissioning targeted for July 2027.

## The Cheapest Way to Own a Copper Mine Is to Let Someone Else Build It

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/the-cheapest-way-to-own-a-copper-mine-is-to-let-someone-else-build-it--f418e34b-155a-457e-90b1-8d9287542f38) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/the-cheapest-way-to-own-a-copper-mine-is-to-let-someone-else-build-it--f418e34b-155a-457e-90b1-8d9287542f38.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-09-11T23:57:46.639Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRLZF)
- Original source: [cnw](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-cheapest-way-to-own-a-copper-mine-is-to-let-someone-else-build-it-804781418.html)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.347
- Atlas tags: NI 43-101 Compliant, QP/CP Signed

Salazar Resources Limited provided an update on the construction of the Curipamba-El Domo polymetallic project in Ecuador, where it holds a 25% carried interest. The project features proven and probable reserves of 7.13 million tonnes and is targeting commissioning in July 2027.

## Lundin Gold Reports Further High-Grade Results at FDNS including 108.61 g/t Au over 11.75 Metres; Development Begins Toward FDN East Following Record Drill Result of 236.62 g/t Au over 3.95 Metres

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-reports-further-high-grade-results-at-fdns-including-108-61-g-t-au-o--a5af2977-e65d-419b-8495-4bce97af7589) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-reports-further-high-grade-results-at-fdns-including-108-61-g-t-au-o--a5af2977-e65d-419b-8495-4bce97af7589.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-07-27T21:00:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Lundin Gold (LUG)
- Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/LUG/news/8528139535685014/lundin-gold-reports-further-high-grade-results-at-fdns-including-108-61-g-t-au-o)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.856
- Atlas tags: None

Lundin Gold announced strong drill results from its ongoing conversion and near-mine exploration programs at the Fruta del Norte gold mine in Ecuador. Highlights include bonanza gold intercepts such as 108.61 g/t Au over 11.75 meters at FDNS and a record 236.62 g/t Au over 3.95 meters at FDN East. The company has commenced underground development towards FDN East to accelerate drilling and support potential future production, reinforcing confidence in the deposit's growth and conversion potential.

## Lundin Gold Reports Q2 2026 Production of 118,994 Ounces of Gold

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-reports-q2-2026-production-of-118-994-ounces-of-gold--0e9e9195-151b-413e-9ebe-d1269931c4ca) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/lundin-gold-reports-q2-2026-production-of-118-994-ounces-of-gold--0e9e9195-151b-413e-9ebe-d1269931c4ca.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-07-08T22:00:00.000Z
- 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/6155914814179487/lundin-gold-reports-q2-2026-production-of-118-994-ounces-of-gold)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.244
- Atlas tags: production, Mill Route

Lundin Gold reported Q2 2026 gold production of 118,994 ounces from the Fruta del Norte mine in Ecuador. While production and head grade were lower than the same period in 2025, the company remains on track to meet its full-year 2026 guidance.

## Salazar Resources Defines 650m x 500m Gold-Bearing Barite Horizon at El Tigre, Ecuador; Surface Sampling Returns 45m at 8.94 g/t AuEq

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/salazar-resources-defines-650m-x-500m-gold-bearing-barite-horizon-at-el-tigre-ec--424371c9-4c64-4f3c-80da-7069084e5f63) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/salazar-resources-defines-650m-x-500m-gold-bearing-barite-horizon-at-el-tigre-ec--424371c9-4c64-4f3c-80da-7069084e5f63.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-06-16T10:45:00.000Z
- 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/8284764323485920/salazar-resources-defines-650m-x-500m-gold-bearing-barite-horizon-at-el-tigre-ec)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.503
- Atlas tags: Bonanza Intercept, Metal Equivalent Opaque, Apparent Width Only, QA/QC Disclosed, Step-Out Extension, Nearology Play

Salazar Resources has defined a significant 650m x 500m gold-bearing barite horizon at its El Tigre Project in Ecuador, based on surface rock chip sampling and geological mapping. Highlights include a weighted average of 8.94 g/t AuEq over 23.5m in the T2 Zone. The company notes geological similarities to the Tambo Grande VMS system and is designing a scout drilling program to test both surface and subsurface targets.

## Rock Chips Just Hit 100 g/t Gold Next to a BHP-Drilled Copper System

- Atlas analysis: [Read analysis](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/rock-chips-just-hit-100-g-t-gold-next-to-a-bhp-drilled-copper-system--8046bfc5-64ce-4543-aee7-fef852bf7f69) · [Markdown](https://atlas-extractions.minestarters.com/news/rock-chips-just-hit-100-g-t-gold-next-to-a-bhp-drilled-copper-system--8046bfc5-64ce-4543-aee7-fef852bf7f69.md)
- Original announcement: 2026-06-03T14:50:00.000Z
- Atlas analysis published: Unknown date
- Atlas analysis updated: Unknown date
- Company: Salazar Resources Limited (SRL)
- Original source: [tmx](https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/LUG/news/7692432133612472/rock-chips-just-hit-100-g-t-gold-next-to-a-bhp-drilled-copper-system)
- Atlas sentiment: 0.323
- Atlas tags: Bonanza Intercept, Nearology Play, Stale Data Re-release

Salazar Resources reported exceptional rock-chip gold and silver grades at the Yumi epithermal vein system, including a sample exceeding 100 g/t gold. These results are located adjacent to a large copper-molybdenum porphyry system previously drilled by BHP.

# Atlas tag definitions

- **Bonanza Intercept:** Exceptionally high-grade zone, well above the deposit-type norm.
- **Metal Equivalent Opaque:** Metal equivalent grade reported without disclosing the price, recovery, or payability assumptions used. Requires an actual metal equivalent grade; a combined elemental basket such as PGE is not a metal equivalent.
- **True Width Disclosed:** Actual thickness perpendicular to structure is stated, not just downhole length.
- **Apparent Width Only:** Interval given as downhole width with no true width or drill orientation — apparent width may overstate true thickness.
- **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.
- **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.
- **Cut-off Undisclosed:** Cut-off grade not disclosed — cannot assess comparability to prior estimates or peers.
- **Step-Out Extension:** Mineralization extended beyond the previously known limit.
- **Infill Drilling:** Confirmatory drilling to raise resource confidence, not new discovery.
- **Stale Data Re-release:** Historical results re-announced with no new assays or reinterpretation — low genuine novelty.
- **Deleterious Elements Present:** A source-stated penalty, refractory or recovery concern in the fact's scope. Element detection alone, including measured elements explicitly below penalty thresholds, does not trigger this tag. Respect negation and retain a separately stated concern even when another risk is explicitly absent.
- **Refractory Ore:** Complex mineralogy requiring oxidation or other special processing before recovery.
- **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.
- **Inferred Resource:** Speculative category — limited drilling, geological continuity assumed but not confirmed. Cannot support economic studies alone.
- **All Inferred:** M&I share below the weak bound — very early stage, no engineering confidence.
- **Tonnage Growth:** Tonnage increase reaching the strong tier 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.
- **Category Upgrade:** Resource confidence improved — Inferred upgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Measured. De-risking signal.
- **Tonnage Decline:** Resource tonnage decreased vs prior estimate — pit optimization removed marginal material or geological model revised down.
- **Grade Decline:** Average grade fell below the red-flag bound vs prior estimate — deposit economics worsening. May indicate high-grading in early drilling.
- **Contained Metal Decline:** Contained metal decreased vs prior despite tonnage growth — grade dilution exceeds volume gain.
- **Category Downgrade:** Resource confidence decreased — Measured downgraded to Indicated, or Indicated to Inferred. Unusual and concerning.
- **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 reduced beyond the suspicious bound 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.
- **Stale Estimate:** Effective date is >2 years old — data currency concern, may not reflect current geological understanding.
- **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.
- **Historical Estimate Only:** Estimate pre-dates or does not comply with current JORC/NI 43-101 standards — requires verification drilling.
- **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. No prior estimate exists, so every change band is not applicable.
- **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.
- **DFS Bankable:** AACE Class 2-1 study complete and within the staleness window.
- **PFS Complete:** AACE Class 3 study complete.
- **PEA Only:** Only Class 4 / Initial Assessment economics available. Not bankable.
- **No Study:** No formal economic study — no engineering basis for the economics quoted.
- **Stale Study:** Beyond the staleness window measured from the estimate base date.
- **Inferred Heavy Feed:** Material Inferred share of LOM mill feed, or the share is undisclosed.
- **Resource Governance Undisclosed:** No QA/QC, top-cut methodology or QP independence disclosed. Caps study quality at the moderate tier.
- **NPV Cut vs Prior Study:** A restated study reduces NPV materially against its own predecessor on the same asset.
- **High IRR:** Post-tax real unlevered IRR in the strong tier or better.
- **Low IRR:** IRR below the moderate tier.
- **Below Jurisdiction Hurdle:** IRR below the greenfield or brownfield hurdle for its jurisdiction tier.
- **IRR Basis Undisclosed:** Real vs nominal not stated, so the tier is not comparable across studies.
- **Undervalued PNAV:** Funding-adjusted P/NAV in the strong tier or better.
- **Overvalued PNAV:** Funding-adjusted P/NAV in the red-flag tier.
- **Fast Payback:** Payback in the strong tier or better, on the required basis.
- **Slow Payback:** Payback in the weak tier or worse.
- **Bottom Quartile Cost:** P0-25 of the relevant commodity cost curve.
- **Top Quartile Cost:** P75-100 of the relevant commodity cost curve — first to cut in a downturn.
- **Cost Basis Undisclosed:** By-product vs co-product not stated, so quartile placement is unreliable.
- **Low Capital Intensity:** Below the benchmark for its project type.
- **High Capital Intensity:** Above the benchmark for its project type.
- **Conservative Pricing:** Conservative on the worst of the spot, 3-year and consensus comparisons.
- **Aggressive Pricing:** The study only works on a stretched price deck.
- **No Price Sensitivity:** No price sensitivity disclosed — treated as a deliberate signal, not a neutral gap.
- **No Discount Rate Sensitivity:** Blocks NPV normalisation to the common rate without reconstruction.
- **Price Deck Unstructured:** Prices given only as free text, so conservatism cannot be scored.
- **Long Reserve Life:** Reserve life index in the top tier of the single ladder.
- **Short Reserve Life:** Reserve life index in the critical tier.
- **Resource Life Upside:** Wide gap between reserve life and resource life — conversion upside rather than discovery dependence.
- **Fully Funded:** Funding coverage at or above 1.0x counting committed facilities only.
- **Material Funding Gap:** Funding coverage below the substantially-funded band.
- **Funding Gap Exceeds Market Cap:** Red flag regardless of headline NPV — the upside is not reachable by the current equity holder.
- **Encumbered by Stream:** An existing stream or royalty reduces attributable NAV and restricts future financing.
- **Stability Agreement:** Fiscal terms fixed, with a term covering the mine life.
- **High Government Take:** Total government take above the regional norm as a share of pre-tax cash flow.
- **Fully Permitted:** Key permits granted with no unresolved challenge.
- **Permit Challenge Outstanding:** An appeal or legal challenge is unresolved, which can defer first production indefinitely.
- **No Community Agreement:** Permits held but no IBA or benefit agreement — the start date is unsupported.
- **Closure Underprovisioned:** Closure provision materially below peers, unfunded, or undisclosed.
- **Upstream TSF:** Upstream tailings construction, which is banned in Brazil and Ecuador.