Aurelian Resources Inc. shares were down another 18% in early trading Friday morning after the company was blindsided by news that Ecuador plans to suspend mining exploration in the country until a new mining law is passed. The stock was down $1.36 to $6 at just after the bell at 9:30 a.m ET. On Thursday, when news of the suspension plans first surfaced, the stock fell 8%.

Aurelian is developing the Fruta del Norte mine, a massive gold resource in Ecuador. Shares in Corriente Resources Inc., another Canadian miner with interests in Ecuador, were also down, falling 9% or 42¢ to $4.18.