Introduction
A violent clash between two Bolivian mining groups over small gold deposits has resulted in at least six fatalities and several people reported missing.
Context
The incident occurred early in the morning in the municipality of Sorata, located approximately 150 km north of the capital, La Paz, as detailed in a preliminary report by the Bolivian Police. The ongoing conflict involves the Senor de Mayo mining cooperative and the Hijos de Ingenio cooperative.
Developments
- The clash has led to severe damages, prompting police and firefighters to respond to the situation.
- According to Jhonny Silva, a representative from the Hijos de Ingenio Mining Cooperative, explosive devices were used, resulting in the destruction of machinery and even a diesel tank.
- Departmental police commander Gunther Agudo noted that the confrontation "caused an explosion of great magnitude."
Conclusion
In Bolivia, the mining sector comprises three divisions: state-owned, private, and cooperative. The cooperative sector has faced increasing criticism due to illegal mining practices that adversely affect the environment and lead to ongoing conflicts with other miners and local communities.