The Silver Mines...aka Cerro Rico
Potosi is one of the highest cities in the world at over 13,000 feet, and is usually visited while on the way to the Salt Flats of Bolivia. The city is most widely known for Cerro Rico (meaning Rich Hill). Cerro Rico was founded in the 1500's as a mining town for silver, and it became the main source of silver for Spain during that time. Similar to the Gold Rush in the United States, people rushed to Potosi to take advantage of the copious amounts of silver. At one point in time it became one of the largest and wealthiest cities in the world.
People of the Mines
After 1800 the mountain was drastically depleted of its supply of silver. The working conditions were extremely poor, and the conditions have not improved much till this day. Nowadays it takes more than it gives. It is said that over 8 million people have died due to mining-related illnesses and accidents. The average age of a miner is 40 years old. Most miners die of Silicosis due to the elements they are exposed to every day. It is no surprise that the other name for Cerro Rico is "The Mountain that Eats Men."
Buying Dynamite for the Miners
Before heading up the mountain our local guide asked us if we wanted to buy a care package for the miners. We each bought a care package, and inside were packages of crackers, dynamite, and a bag of coca leaves that the miners like to chew on as they work (it helps fight hunger and fatigue).
An elderly woman who works at the mines
One of our first stops was to visit the lady above. She waits weeks in hopes that tourists will come visit her so she could share her story. She has seen her husband, her children, and several other loved ones die due to the conditions of the mines. In fact, she continues to work at the mines even with a broken hip. She told us that despite knowing the dangers of the mines, she will continue working there until she dies. In her eyes, and for many others living in the city, they do not have another option.
One of the many entrances into the mines
I opted to not go inside the actual mines as I was warned that the conditions were bad, and some areas were extremely narrow and not great for people who are claustrophobic. I saw many of the miners walking out, tired, worn out, and nearing the end of their short lives. How can anyone really say they hate their jobs after experiencing meeting these people? Next time you are looking out your window at work while sitting in your ergonomic chair remember these faces.
As soon as I stepped out of the truck we were bombarded by smiling and eager kids that were selling us rocks. The kids clinged to us, and with my "Spanglish" I learned a little more about these boys. They loved our cameras, and our oversized sunglasses. They had these infectious smiles, and cute giggles as we tried communicating with them. I know that many of the young boys I met that day are now probably working inside the mines. There are about 800 children that work in the mines.
Photo taken by one of the local kids
It really was a somber experience, and if you have Netflix you can instantly watch The Devil's Miner, a movie about a child of the mines.
Date Accomplished: October 16th, 2009
