Deputy mining and energy minister Enrique Gallegos presented the ministry's official response to the Constitutional Court accompanied by deputy environment minister Ramiro Montalvo and Carlos Andrade of the Senagua national water authority.

Gallegos said the Perez intent to cancel mining activities covered by mining titles for political and not technical or economic reasons was "irresponsible".

"It is not possible that the state constantly pays international lawsuits. This is going to occasion lawsuits," he said, reported local press.

Perez is seeking to hold a national vote on whether to ban mining near water sources and to cancel mining concessions which have been awarded.

Representatives from the environment ministry and Senagua presented an amicus curia (friend of the court) petition to be able to present their viewpoints to the court.