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This conflict resulted from the wave of gold mining titles authorized in the early 2010s. Coverage by @OsCampanini / @cedib_com
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Summary of the environmental effects of the mine: noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/familias-de-comunidad-leco-sufren-estragos-por-explotacion-de-una-cooperativa-minera-en-mapiri-410309
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There was a round of confrontations in early May 2021, though initial reports of a death in the clashes were revised to serious injuries. noticiasfides.com/nacional/seguridad/conflicto-entre-mineros-y-pobladores-en-mapiri-deja-un-muerto-y-dos-heridos-409495 eldeber.com.bo/pais/policia-envia-15-camionetas-con-66-efectivos-a-mapiri-tras-enfrentamiento-que-dejo-un-herido-por-exp_230234
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This led to a reinforcement of National Police presence in Mapiri, with 80 troops deployed. noticiasfides.com/nacional/seguridad/80-policias-se-trasladaron-hasta-mapiri-para-controlar-conflicto-minero-409500
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In early June, the Leco community acting through their organization PILCOL resolved to expel the miners, claiming the right to do so under the concept of "indigenous justice." (The legality of this claim is much disputed.) noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/comunidad-leco-aplicara-justicia-indigena-para-expulsar-a-la-cooperativa-minera-15-de-mayo-410073
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The literal gold rush in the area has also led to land disputes between the Leco and people they label as outsiders interested in claiming land rights to profit from mining. noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/tension-en-mapiri-indigenas-denuncian-avasallamiento-de-campesinos-por-explotacion-de-oro-410318
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Ten people were reportedly injured in late June resident–miner clashes. lanacion.com.py/mundo/2021/06/26/diez-heridos-en-enfrentamientos-en-zona-aurifera-de-bolivia/ noticiasfides.com/nacional/sociedad/explotacion-del-oro-por-cooperativas-en-mapiri-provoca-division-impacto-ambiental-y-enfrentamientos-410410
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PILCOL has alleged the mayor and security forces are complicit in mining abuses.
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This week the government announced increased police presence in the region, which the indigenous organization has denounced. noticiasfides.com/nacional/seguridad/indigenas-denuncian-que-el-gobierno-envio-400-policias-a-mapiri-temen-ser-reprimidos-410516
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Meanwhile, the Mayor has called for national authorities to investigate the land rights of mining opponents. noticiasfides.com/la-paz/alcalde-de-mapiri-pide-a-la-procuraduria-acciones-legales-para-comunarios-afectados-por-actividad-minera-410553
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CEDIB map/graphic available here: cedib.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/impactos-politica-minera.pdf