The Bolivian Government claims that more than half of the country's 25,000 tin miners, who went on strike three weeks ago over a pay dispute, have returned to work. But Reuters News Agency quoted strike leaders as saying that the strike continues in a majority of the country's 15 major mines.

SYNOPSIS: However, at the Oruro mine complex near the capital, La Paz, where troops were sent two weeks ago to keep order, the Government persuaded local miners to return to work. Meanwhile, with most local shops shut because of earlier disturbances the people, fearing shortages, queued to buy food.

The disturbances were wide-spread throughout the mining industry, and the military Government acted firmly to control the labour unrest. However, as groups of miners reached agreement with mine managements, the Government promised troops would eventually be withdrawn from the mines. The Government has also pledged to release several miners' leaders from prison and given a promise of no reprisals.

The negotiations between the Government and miners at Oruro lasted several hours. Government spokesmen later said the miners had been told pay negotiations would resume shortly. The Government wants an urgent settlement - the national dispute is creating huge losses for the mining industry.