Illegal gold mining expands in Potosí, Bolivia

Illegal gold mining operations are expanding across the Potosí department in Bolivia, specifically in areas such as Villazón, Tupiza, and northern Potosí. Authorities and regional legislators have reported that these unregulated activities are causing significant environmental and economic damage.

In the community of Chipihuayco, within the Villazón municipality, four suspected illegal operations are reportedly destroying local flora and discharging waste mud into the Chipihuayco River. There are concerns that heavy rains could carry this waste into the San Juan del Oro River and subsequently into the Pilcomayo River. Additionally, local residents have reportedly faced threats from armed individuals associated with these operations.

Beyond environmental degradation and the potential use of mercury, the illegal mining sector is causing substantial fiscal losses. The lack of administrative mining contracts results in the evasion of mining royalties, which are intended to benefit municipal and departmental governments, as well as the national state through corporate income taxes.