Industry
Mining is a major industry in Bolivia . Bolivia has long been one of the world producers of tin . Most of the tin mines are located in Oruro . In 2000 the mines put out 12,464 metric tons of tin . Gold , zinc , antimony , lead , tungsten and silver are also mined . There are expectations of developing Bolivia ' s large iron reserves . El Mutun , a 40,000 metric ton deposit located close to the Brazilian border , is considered one of the largest in the world . About 80,000 Bolivians still depend on mining for their livelihood . Petroleum and natural gas are now important in the Bolivian economy , making up 5.6 percent . In 1998 , petroleum production was 12,628,000 barrels and Natural gas production in 1998 was 109,673 million cubic feet of which 99 percent was from private enterprise . The manufacturing industry consisted of nine subsectors-- food , beverages , and tobacco ; textiles , garments , and leather goods ; chemicals and plastics ; timber , wood products , and furniture ; paper products ; nonmetallic minerals ; basic metal industries ; metal production , equipment , and machinery ; and other manufacturing . Many producers who were involved in manufacturing and related activities were classified as part of the informal sector . The manufacturing sector played a minor role in the economy . The manufacturing industry represents 16.8 percent of the GDP . In 1997 , according to the Bolivian Statistical Institute , there were 1,725 manufacturing enterprises with at least 5 workers , altogether employing 52,000 people . This number represents 15 percent of the Bolivian labor force . The 330 manufacturers that had over 50 employees accounted for 36,000 workers . Many manufacturers ran only small artisan shops , and most employed fewer than ten workers .