Potosí mining deaths prompt joint action plan

By the end of June, 78 fatalities were recorded in mining activities in Bolivia's Potosí department. Prosecutor‑General Roger Mariaca announced a Joint Action Plan to eradicate these deaths. The plan will be carried out by the State Prosecutor's Office for Human Rights in coordination with the Potosí departmental prosecutor and will involve the Governor's office, the municipal mayor, police, the Institute for the Development of Mining (IDIF), the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy, the miners' association AJAM, the Departmental Labor Directorate, the Federation of Mining Cooperatives, public and private mining companies, the educational system, and the Ombudsman's office.

Investigations have identified inhalation of toxic gases, falls and crushing as the most frequent causes of the accidents. Authorities noted technical, operational and organisational challenges in probing the incidents, and stressed the need for immediate, coordinated and scientifically rigorous action, especially as the upcoming winter holidays increase the risk of child labor in mining.

The plan aims to provide tools to eliminate the phenomenon, improve investigation and response capabilities, and enforce strict technical standards to protect workers and prevent further fatalities.