Gold mining expansion in Bolivia

Illegal and expanding gold mining operations are causing significant environmental and economic disruptions across different regions of Bolivia.

In the Potosí department, specifically in Villazón, Tupiza, and northern Potosí, unregulated activities are reportedly destroying local flora and discharging waste mud into the Chipihuayco River. Authorities have expressed concerns that heavy rains could transport this waste into the San Juan del Oro and Pilcomayo rivers. Beyond environmental degradation, these operations are causing fiscal losses through the evasion of mining royalties and corporate income taxes. Local residents have also reported facing threats from armed individuals linked to these activities.

In the Yungas region of La Paz, mining expansion is threatening the habitat of the tilcayo, a recently identified wild feline species. In the Coroico municipality, inspections by the Administrative Jurisdictional Mining Authority (AJAM) near the Senda Verde wildlife refuge have confirmed deforestation, the presence of heavy machinery, and contamination in the Coroico River. In response, twelve communities connected to the Río Negro reserve are seeking legal protection for approximately 6,200 hectares to mitigate the impact of mining advancement.