Fernando Vásquez
Fernando Iván Vásquez Arnez (born 24 May 1962) is a Bolivian geotechnical and mining engineer and politician who served as minister of mining and metallurgy from 8 May to 30 May 2020. He previously served as vice minister of productive development and metallurgical mining from 2019 to 2020 and as director of the environment and public consultation from 2006 to 2011. Shortly into his ministerial term, Vásquez stated that his white complexion made him incapable of being a member of the Movement for Socialism, causing broad condemnation and his removal from office less than a month after being appointed. Early life and career Fernando Vásquez was born on 24 May 1962 in Catavi in the Rafael Bustillo Province of the Potosí Department. He studied at the Junín School before conducting university studies abroad, graduating from the University of São Paulo in Brazil, where he received a PhD in mining and geotechnical engineering. Returning to Bolivia, he worked as a university assistant and teacher and was a consultant in the field of mining and geology, later being employed by institutions such as the Mining Financing Fund, Hanaer and Sinchi Wayra Mining Companies, the Federation of Gold Mining Cooperatives of the North