Bolivia has several natural resources, including petroleum, zinc, tungsten, antimony, silver, iron, lead and gold. The country’s mining industry is governed by the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy, and the Bolivian Mining Corporation. The Mining Code of 1997 (law no. 1777) governs and regulates mining activities for the prospecting, exploration and exploitation of mineral resources in Bolivia.

THE BOLIVIAN MINING INDUSTRY – GOVERNING BODIES

Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy
The Ministry of Mining and Metallurgy implements and regulates mining and metallurgical policies in the country, along with the development of mining by applying transparency, technical and social commitments through the generation of economic surplus.
The functions and strategies of the ministry are:
• The recovery and proper use of mineral resources
• An active role throughout the production cycle from mining through the Bolivian Mining Corporation (Comibol)
• The regulation, control and monitoring of mining activities, as the owner of the country’s mineralogical resources
• The development of a new Mining Law
• The encouragement and promotion of activities relating to prospecting and mineral exploration
• Strategically modifying the mining tax system to support mining for the benefit of citizens

Bolivian Mining Corporation (Comibol)
Comibol is a self-sustaining mining institution responsible for managing the mining supply chain, promoting the diversification of mining and metallurgical activities, and contributing to economic growth and environmental sustainability