The Conversation (0)
South American Silver Corp. (TSX:SAC) today reported that Bolivian government authorities continue in their efforts to restore peace and order to the Malku Khota region in the face of acts of aggression against law-abiding local indigenous communities, police, the company’s employees and its local contractors.
Four of the detainees taken by the faction, which represents only three of the 46 indigenous communities, have been freed during a government security action (three drill contractors and a Bolivian government prosecutor). The two Bolivian employees of the company and a policeman continue to be held.
One project opponent died during one of these security actions. While the exact cause of the death is still under investigation, it is believed to have been as a result of the individual mishandling dynamite.
Bolivian government authorities have previously stated that there will be a period of constitutionally mandated consultation with local indigenous communities before the project enters the extraction phase.
South American Silver CEO Greg Johnson said:
“South American Silver reaffirms its cooperation with Bolivian authorities and its strong support for the indigenous people of the Malku Khota communities in their continuing efforts to bring a timely and peaceful resolution to this situation,” “The company looks forward to a constructive dialogue with regional and national governments along with the local indigenous authorities after this situation is resolved in order to agree on an approach to development that is inclusive of all communities in the project area.”
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