Major Ecuador indigenous group threatens anti-mining protests

Indigenous leader Leonidas Iza speaks during a meeting with demonstrators before an anti-government protest amid a stalemate between the government of President Guillermo Lasso and largely indigenous demonstrators who demand an end to emergency measures, in Quito, Ecuador June 23, 2022. REUTERS/Karen Toro

Ecuador's major indigenous organization said on Thursday it was preparing to hold protests in mining areas in an attempt to stop extractive activities near its communities.

The CONAIE indigenous organization - which led protests that paralyzed the country for nearly two weeks last year - and an anti-mining group voted during an assembly to oppose the expansion of mining in Ecuador because of its social and environmental harm.