The results of a referendum held on Sunday (Sep 28) in support of Ecuador's new constitution represent a step closer to determining the future of the country's mining sector, mining lawyer Patricio Ruiz told BNameri

"The constitutional framework is already in place. Now comes the second phase which is drawing up a mining bill or a reform to the government's version," he added.

This week, Ecuador's President Rafael Correa said his administration completed the first draft of the new mining bill, which must respect the ideas of the new constitution before it can become law.

Correa claimed a resounding victory on Sunday in the referendum for the new constitution that gives him enhanced powers.