Bolivian officials say a Quechua Indian was killed and six people injured in a clash with police in a remote region where locals have seized five workers with a Canadian company planning to mine for silver.
Potosi Gov Felix Gonzales says three police and three local men were injured in Thursday evening's violence.
Interior Minister Carlos Romero told reporters Friday that police were attacked with rocks and one officer became separated from the group and has not been found.
He questioned claims by a Quechua leader that the fatality was caused by a gunshot, saying preliminary reports indicate it was mishandling of dynamite.
Residents of the Quechua community of Mallku Khota who detained the South American Silver workers say they fear the mine will damage the environment.