Oruro Government Seeks Restricted Zone Status for Posokoni Hill After Deadly Clash

Following a deadly confrontation in Huanuni, the departmental government of Oruro has formally requested that the national government declare the Posokoni hill a restricted zone. The tragic incident, which occurred early Sunday morning, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, two soldiers and two workers from the Empresa Minera Huanuni, during an operation targeting mineral theft.

In an official statement, the Oruro administration also demanded a thorough investigation to identify all perpetrators, both material and intellectual. Crucially, they called for the probe to extend to mining operators who allegedly incentivize "jukeo," the local term for mineral theft in the region. The clash reportedly began when a group of military personnel and miners guarding the area were attacked by alleged "jucus" (mineral thieves).

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The departmental government also demanded an exhaustive investigation to identify both the material and intellectual authors of the event and proposed that the investigations be extended to the mining operators who incentivize "jukeo."

Governor Edgar Sánchez promptly traveled to Huanuni to lead an emergency meeting with representatives from the Bolivian Mining Corporation (Comibol), Empresa Minera Huanuni, the local municipality, the Miners' Union, and the Civic Committee. The objective was to coordinate immediate actions to address the crisis stemming from the violence.

The departmental government believes that designating Posokoni hill as a restricted zone would significantly enhance control measures and help pacify an area that has been plagued by mineral theft groups for years. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy expressed condolences for the deceased and solidarity with the injured soldier, urging the public to await the results of the ongoing official investigation and avoid spreading unconfirmed information.

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The declaration of a restricted zone would allow for reinforced controls on Posokoni hill and would contribute to pacifying the area, which has been affected for years by the actions of groups dedicated to mineral theft.