Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa announced last week that he would rework mining and oil deals.

"The mining problem is extremely grave, and we have areas where we are on the verge of a civil war," said Correa.

Canada's Ascendant Copper could see its project in Intag threatened. The company's operations in the area, which according to human rights lawyers and organizations has been tainted by human rights abuses and paramilitary tactics , could be the first foreign mining casualty under the Correa administration.

 "We have not received any benefits from this (mining); neither the State nor the people, and that will have to be taken down," said Correa.