Reforms would create mining ministry

Likely modifications to Bolivia's executive branch organization law, LOPE, would see the creation of a fully-fledged mining ministry, an official from the country's state mining company Comibol told BNamericas. The administration of president Carlos Mesa, who took office October 17 on an interim basis, is working towards modifying LOPE, with a view to making departmental adjustments in the areas of electric power, hydrocarbons and mining. Mining is currently dependent on the economic development ministry. The executive branch has the power to create a temporary ministry charged with a specific activity; however, the creation of a permanent mining ministry requires changes to the LOPE law. The Comibol official also confirmed that the government is moving towards replacing current mining undersecretary Oswaldo Ramirez, although his successor is yet to be named. The official said the Mesa administration must act very carefully with any administrative changes due to the sensitive socio-political climate in the country, after months of popular protests left 80 dead, culminating in President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada fleeing the country.