Bolivia's mining boom: High export value contrasts with falling investment

Bolivia's mining sector is experiencing a boom in export value, driven primarily by gold and silver, which together represented 72.7% of the total export value in the early months of 2026. This strong performance in international markets, however, is juxtaposed with a sharp decline in domestic investment within the sector.

The Vice Ministry of Mining Policy has publicly acknowledged the significant drop in investment. This downturn raises concerns about the long-term sustainability and growth of Bolivia's mining industry, despite the current high value of its exports. The ministry recognizes the need to address this imbalance to ensure continued development.

To counteract this trend, the Vice Ministry is proposing a series of measures. These include introducing new incentives for investors, strengthening legal certainty for mining operations, and identifying and developing new projects. The aim is to revitalize investment and secure a more robust future for Bolivia's mining sector.

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The Vice Ministry of Mining Policy recognizes that investment has fallen sharply and proposes incentives, legal security, and new projects to reverse the trend.