ABSTRACT
The opening of the San Cristobal mine, the plans for a lithium mine nearby, and the relatively sudden rise in quinoa prices, brought economic improvement to the Bolivian Altiplano region. Interaction between the company and San Cristobal, Culpina K, and Vila Vila changed to a more formal, institutionalised format with clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and forms of interaction. In the minds of residents of San Cristobal, Culpina K, and Vila Vila this meant the construction and operation of a 'Second-Tier' or Regional Hospital. Culpina K, however, also has its own issues beyond those directly related to the death of Pablo Calcina. Minera San Cristobal (MSC) was a participant in a wave of globalisation around the turn of the 21st century that produced the greatest reduction in extreme poverty in human history. Colcha K became one of the most cash-rich municipalities in Bolivia owing to its share of taxes and royalties paid by MSC.
