Potosí, the city of silver mines

Potosí is one of the world’s highest cities at over 4,000m above sea level. It is the hub of South America’s silver mining history. At the height of production, the city had a population larger than London and Paris.

Still these mines are run by the government and independent colectivos work here to earn there salary based on the amount of silver, gold and other valuable minerals they gather as a group. Therefore, the salary can be nothing or a good one considering that there are not many other jobs around this region. 8 out of 10 men work in the mines, many having families of 8 children. 🔨

For me this 2 hr walk/climb through the mines was really shocking, the conditions still from colonial times and many people still die in accidents and from lung deseases from the dust that can’t be treated. Our guide told us she has lost his uncle to that desease and her father used to work here as well 😢 But that’s where the wealthy countries buy their silver from!!! 🥺Read more