Twelve dead in Bolivia mine clashes

Mine workers used dynamite and firearms in a battle for control of the Huayuni mine in the Andes mountains, one of the largest tin mines in the world, Bolivian unions said on Thursday.

The army was sent to the region after hundreds of members of an independent miners co-operative took control of the state-owned mine early on Thursday.

Government employed miners attempted to fight back and clashes continued into the afternoon.

Juan Ramon Quintana, a presidential spokesman, called the fighting "demented and fratricidal" and appealed for calm.

Roberto Chavez, leader of the Bolivian Mine Workers Union Federation, blamed the government of Evo Morales, the president.

"Now, let them provide the caskets," he said, demanding that Walter Villarroel, the mining minister, resign.

Villaroel is to travel to the area in an effort to persuade both sides that they can work together at Huanuni, officials said.

Continuing protests

Morales's government has negotiated an end to recent protests and road blockages over Indian rights, natural resources and land, and coca-leaf farming.

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