Though it took more weeks than I had anticipated, I have given a general portrayal of the history of silver mining in the Bolivian town of Potosi. The Cerro Rico was undoubtedly one of the largest and wealthiest mineral deposits in the history of the world. Today, Potosi is [...]

 In 1750 the Spanish crown sent these laminating machines to the mint. They were made of oak. They were sent from Spain to Buenos Aires Argentina, and from Buenos Aires they were shipped via mule train to Potosi. Before this, African slaves and Indians [...]

 In 1759, the King of Spain, hoping to improve coin production techniques, ordered the construction of a new mint. This is the courtyard of the mint, which is now a museum. The Casa de Moneda, as it is known in Spanish, provides excellent [...]

 Present-day miners make statues of the devil inside of the mineshafts, and offer him tribute of alcohol, coca, and cigarettes. Though this practice can only be traced to the 20th century, it is believed that it has its roots in colonial mythology. [...]

 The Spanish mine owners weren't necessarily overtly abusive to the indigenous workers. They didn't have to be; the conditions in the mines were enough to kill the hardiest workers.  Colonial miners worked, ate, and even slept in [...]