Bolivia’s Mining Landscape: Key Mines and Operators

Often described as a country “sitting on a gold mine,” Bolivia holds significant mineral wealth with diverse resources and strategic importance. Below is an overview of the country’s key mining operations.

1. San Cristóbal Mine

• Location: Potosí Department
• Type: Open-pit silver, zinc, and lead mine; one of the world’s largest operations
• Owner: Sumitomo Corporation (Japan), wholly owned
• Capacity: 52,000 tonnes of ore processed per day
• Production: Approximately 12 million ounces of silver, 300,000 tonnes of zinc, and 100,000 tonnes of lead annually

2. Cerro Rico (Rich Hill)

• Location: Potosí City, at 4,800 meters above sea level
• History: The world’s largest silver mine during the Spanish colonial period in the 16th century, once supplying nearly 60% of global silver
• Current Status: Approximately 16,000 miners—primarily cooperative members—operate in the mountain, while COMIBOL (Bolivia’s state mining company) is responsible for safety and structural maintenance
• Resources: Still producing silver, tin, lead, zinc, and other minerals

3. El Mutún Iron Ore Mine

• Location: Puerto Suárez, Santa Cruz Department
• Reserves: Approximately 50 billion tonnes, one of the largest single iron ore deposits in the world
• Development: The first large-scale steel complex was inaugurated in February 2025, built by a Chinese contractor
• Ownership: Bolivia’s state-owned ESM holds 50% of extraction rights, while India’s JSPL holds the remaining 50%

4. Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flat)

• Location: Potosí Department, the world’s largest salt flat
• Lithium Resources: Accounts for over 70% of Bolivia’s lithium reserves; a core global lithium resource
• Development: Managed by YLB (Bolivia’s state lithium company), with partnerships involving multiple international firms

5. Porco Mine

• Location: Potosí Department
• Type: Silver mine
• Operation: Joint venture between Santacruz Silver Mining and COMIBOL under the Illapa operating agreement
• Profit Share: Santacruz receives 45%, with the Bolivian government receiving 55%
• Term: Agreement valid until 2028

Bolivia continues to play a vital role in global mineral supply chains, with its diverse resource base and evolving partnerships attracting ongoing industry attention.