Peru and Bolivia crackdown on illegal mining, seize assets worth billions

Bolivian authorities seized heavy machinery that was operating illegally in the protected La Víbora area of Oruro on 18 June 2026. The driver was arrested and the Fiscalía opened investigations into the owners for damage to state property.

In Peru, the government, together with the National Police and Armed Forces, conducted 710 operations in 24 regions between January and May 2026. More than S/ 1.2 billion in equipment and supplies used by illegal miners was confiscated or destroyed, with 63 % of the value seized in Madre de Dios. The seized items included excavators, dredges, generators, diesel engines, hydraulic pumps, mercury‑containing chemicals, vehicles, motorcycles and firearms.