Rio Tinto Zinc (RTZ) started exploration activities in the area of Molleturo in 1994 and one year later it discovered a gold mineralization on the Canoas concession. That year also emerged social unrest among communities belonging to the parishes of Molleturo and Chaucha. Among the main reasons were unaccomplished economic promises made by the company as well as land tenure conflicts and environmental concerns. The company began to t work in the Molleturo Protective Forest, an area that embraces 25 watersheds and important source of water for agriculture and human consumption. As a result of RTZs presence in the area local conflicts among communities disrupted the peaceful life together. In light of this situation, communities opposing mining activities demanded the RTZs withdrawal from their locality. Authorities did not respond to their claims and RTZ continued with its prospective activities in the area. In 1997 the company left the country after stating that these mineral deposits were not profitable in economic terms. However, in 1996 the mining firm IMC signed a joint venture agreement with RTZ and in 1999 this same firm re-initiated RTZs previous exploring activities in the area