Inhabitants of the Seke Jahuira community, in the municipality of Viacha, La Paz, reported on Monday that they face persecution and death threats after denouncing the pollution caused by mining activity in the region.

Emilia Chuquimia, a community member, said: ‘They threaten us with sticks and firecrackers when we take our animals to graze. They say that these lands don't belong to the government, but to private owners.

The conflict began following a 26 August report issued by the Environmental and Risk Management Office of the Viacha Mayor's Office, which revealed the contamination of the Sarh well with cyanide, a key source of water for several communities. According to the report, 23 mining companies operate in the area and use chemical processes that contaminate the aquifer. The contamination was confirmed in July when the well, operated by the company Procesadora de Minerales Jacha Kollo, was sealed off in compliance with a resolution of the Authority of Fiscalisation and Social Control of Potable Water and Sanitation (AAPS). The report indicated the presence of ammonia, sulphate and cyanide in the water, which seriously affected the community.