Bolivian Army Attributes Four Deaths at Mine to 'Accident' During Withdrawal

The Bolivian Army has attributed the deaths of four individuals, two soldiers and two miners, at a mine to an accident during a unit's withdrawal. The incident occurred after security forces and mine workers confronted a group attempting to steal minerals from the Huanuni Mining Company (EMH) in western Bolivia.

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The deaths of two sergeants and two workers from the Huanuni Mining Company occurred due to an accident caused by the collapse of terrain during the personnel's withdrawal.

According to Army Commander William Revuelta, the deceased were two sergeants and two workers from EMH. He explained that the fatalities resulted from a ground collapse while personnel were retreating. The confrontation began early Sunday when an estimated 50 to 80 individuals, described as mineral thieves, tried to enter the EMH facility near Oruro.

Revuelta clarified that the accident did not happen inside a mine shaft or during underground operations. Instead, it occurred on a return route for vehicles after the intervention concluded. He noted that the area near a mine entrance experienced an unexpected terrain collapse, leading to the deaths and injuring one sub-lieutenant.

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The accident did not occur inside a mine, nor during operations in underground galleries, but on a return route for vehicles once the intervention was concluded.

The Huanuni mine is a significant tin producer in Bolivia, and mineral theft is a persistent problem. The Army has been responsible for external security at the mine since 2008, while the police handle internal surveillance. Revuelta mentioned that increased mineral prices have led to more organized theft groups, prompting the Army to employ surveillance methods like drones and night vision equipment.

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Mineral theft in EMH is a permanent activity, and due to the increase in mineral values, there is greater organization of these groups.