The Potosi mines were one of the
most unique experiences during the whole trip. I personally was looking
forward to this tour the whole time. While in the mines, we learned
that the work was extremely dangerous seeing that blowing dynamite was
a dangerous "tool" to use. The miners are paid only on how much, and
what minerals they can drill out of the mountain Cerro Rico... meaning
"rich hill." The miners are told tho buy their supplies at the miners
market... where we stopped to buy them a few gifts before entering.
Supplies that can be bought at the market include coca leaves,
dynamite, helmets, suits, nail, hammers, etc.. The miners average from
ages 11 and up. There are over 1000 children still working in the mines
and about 5000 men. The indigenous people of Potosi believe that
the mountain is the Pacha Mama ( goddess of the earth) and that when a
man dies inside the mines, that she is hungry. However, many men are
catholics due to the mix of races between the Spaniards over 200 years
ago.
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