on Wednesday reported that —despite the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic—
The high-ranking official explained that —only in the sixth month of this year— investments in the
mining sector amounted to US$350 million, which meant a recovery of 43.7% compared to the figure recorded last May.
Likewise, the Cabinet member stressed that said investments reached US$1.910 billion in the first half of 2020. However, it meant a 25% decrease compared to the number registered in the same period of 2019.
Projects
According to Minister Inchaustegui, the mining sector reported 152,581 direct jobs in June, which implied an increase of 19% compared to the number registered last May.
Besides, the sector's operations will be guaranteed, thus strengthening the environmental and social sustainability of this industry.
Moreover, the Cabinet member specified that there is a portfolio of 48 mine construction projects for the 2019-2028 period, which totals US$57.772 billion.
Of this set of plans, 45% will be developed in the north of the country, 10% in the center and 45% in the south.
"Most of these projects are related to the production of copper, gold and zinc," the minister said.
Inchaustegui also stressed that the development of projects —which already rely on social acceptance and have Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) approved— will be boosted.