Mining referendum

A mining referendum is a direct and universal vote in which an entire electorate is invited to vote on a mining proposal. Mining referendums have been held in Tambo Grande, Peru in 2002 and in Chubut, Argentina in the 2000s. In both these cases the local community rejected the establishment of new mines in their territory.
In Cuenca, Ecuador, a mining referendum took place in conjunction with the 2021 Ecuadorian general election on February 7, with preliminary results showing a 80.9% of voters voting in favor of prohibiting mining activity in the area.