The D.S. 21060, enacted on August 29, 1985, established several key economic policies as part of Bolivia's New Economic Policy. It set a real and flexible exchange rate with the dollar, allowed the free availability of foreign exchange through the Central Bank, and permitted the free commercialization and production of minerals. Specifically for the mining sector, it authorized mine producers to sell gold freely through the Central Bank or through authorized re-sellers, and allowed the possession and free sale of metallic gold domestically, with royalties applicable for export. These policies reduced the state's role in the economy, moved Bolivia towards a free-market model, and saw the 'relocalización' (job relocation), which resulted in mass layoffs and closures within the mining industry, severely impacting workers and the operations of Comibol .

The 'relocalización' had profound implications for Bolivian mining communities. It led to the closure of numerous mines and resulted in the dismissal of approximately 22,793 workers in 1986 alone. Displaced workers pursued various avenues, such as relocating to cities, returning to agrarian livelihoods, or forming cooperative mining entities. This shift dramatically altered workforce structures, burgeoning a cooperative mining sector that constituted a substantial part of the labor market by 2010. This transition also diminished the influence of unions, which had once been prominent actors in safeguarding worker rights during industrial disputes .

Following the D.S. 21060 and the structural shifts in Comibol, cooperative mining became increasingly significant in Bolivia. With the closure of many mines and the mass layoffs of miners, several workers transitioned into cooperatives, which allowed them to lease closed mines and access infrastructure developed by Comibol. These cooperatives expanded dramatically from 28,649 members in 1985 to 65,890 in 2010. This growth bolstered their social and political influence, making them a formidable force in national politics. They gained representation in legislative and executive branches, leveraging their numbers and lack of dependency on employers to influence government policies .

Post-D.S. 21060, Comibol underwent structural changes, such as its reorganization into five decentralized entities, excluding several key mining sites. This reorganization led to the 'relocalización' (relocation) of workers, effectively resulting in massive layoffs—22,793 out of 27,575 workers in mining operations were dismissed. These changes decimated the formal mining workforce but triggered a rise in cooperative mining. By 2010, the number of cooperative miners increased dramatically, thanks in part to the leasing of closed Comibol mines, fundamentally transforming the labor landscape in Bolivian mining and granting significant social and political power to mining cooperatives .

Post-1985, Bolivian mining cooperatives amassed considerable socio-political power due to their exponential growth and significant presence across the country. This influence was amplified by their independence from traditional employment structures and their role in economic productivity. They became a pivotal constituency, compelling government attention and ensuring their interests were represented in politics, reflected in their presence within executive and legislative branches. Their influence reshaped national mining policies, securing numerous governmental concessions and fostering legislative environments amenable to cooperative interests. This situation underscored their capacity to shape national dialogues and affect decision-making processes .

The free-market reforms introduced by the D.S. 21060 drastically reduced state control over the economy, marking a transition from a state-centric economic model to a neoliberal framework emphasizing privatization and deregulation. This shift aimed to integrate Bolivia into the global market economy, reduced public sector size, and promoted private sector operations, especially in strategic sectors like mining. However, it also triggered significant economic disparities, as these policies were seen to benefit a small, wealthy minority over the broader populace, thereby contributing to social and economic inequalities. The state's reduced role meant diminished capacity to safeguard broad public interests in economic activities .

The insolvency of the International Tin Council on October 24, 1985, greatly impacted the Bolivian mining sector by causing the price of tin to collapse. The announcement by President Víctor Paz revealed that production costs for tin were significantly higher than the market selling price. Consequently, this price disparity made operations unsustainable, leading to the shutdown of several mining operations, the downsizing of Comibol, and a mass layoff of workers. This period marked the end of an era for Bolivia’s tin industry and initiated structural changes within its mining sector, including the so-called 'relocalización,' which involved massive worker layoffs and the eventual rise of cooperative mining initiatives .

Post-D.S. 21060, significant legislative actions were taken to reinstill labor rights and protections. The new legal measures focused on recuperating union rights, prohibiting subcontracting, ensuring fair labor practices, and protecting workers’ rights to indemnities and non-discrimination. Additionally, several specific decrees, such as D.S. 0521 and D.S. 0522, established procedures to enforce these protections effectively, particularly in terms of remuneration and workplace equality. These measures aimed to balance the exploitation risks introduced by neoliberal policies, emphasizing the government’s shift towards a more inclusive and protective economic framework for workers .

The efforts to abrogate parts of the D.S. 21060 reflect Bolivia's ongoing transition from a neoliberal to a more state-regulated, socially inclusive economic model. Since the 1980s, there has been a growing emphasis on nationalizing strategic industries and restructuring economic policies to enhance state involvement and social equity. The new constitutional framework, which retained only about 45% of the original decree's provisions, prioritized state and community participation in economic activities. This shift signifies a departure from heavy reliance on market forces, towards policies that aim to balance economic freedom with social responsibility and national sovereignty .

With the introduction of the new Bolivian Constitution, about 55% of the D.S. 21060’s articles were altered to reduce neoliberal policies. The government focused on establishing an 'Economy Plural,' which increased state participation and control over resources and emphasized social involvement in state management. New laws were established for pensions, education, water, and labor rights, including the recovery of union rights, prohibition of labor subcontracting, and ensuring workers' rights, such as obligatory service indemnities and non-discrimination in the workplace. The state also nationalized significant sectors like hydrocarbons and telecommunications, which not only altered the neoliberal framework but also aimed at restoring national sovereignty and dignity .