Potosi and the mines

(orig) (info) Potosi, with the famous Cerro Rico in the background. Cerro Rico was responsible for the rise and fall of this city, as it was a major source of silver for a long time during the colonial period.	(orig) (info) The Potosi flag, and the town of potosi	(orig) (info) More of the city, from atop the roof of a building
(orig) (info) A typical plaza scene	(orig) (info) Accurately measuring chemicals at the ore processing facility	(orig) (info) I think that's CuSO4. I'm pretty sure it's being measured with the bottom of aplastic bottle.
(orig) (info) OSHA's nightmare. (After me walking around the office in bare feet, of course.)	(orig) (info) big machines	(orig) (info) separation by floatation
(orig) (info) The input stack. Or heap. Or whatever.	(orig) (info) The output: zinc, among other things	(orig) (info) The source of the ore
(orig) (info) mines	(orig) (info) Taking a load of ore out of the mine. The tunnels were often no wider than one of the carts, nor much taller	(orig) (info) Last breath of fresh air for a while..
(orig) (info) A tunnel on the first level	(orig) (info) The flags here are traditional decorations placed by the miners, and found throughout the mines	(orig) (info) Heading further into the mine. Coca tucked away into the cheek. If only Orr had known -- it looks so much better than crab apples.
(orig) (info) Stepping out of the way	(orig) (info) This was hard work. It was _hot_ down here, and the carts kept coming as fast as it was taken away.	(orig) (info) more ore
(orig) (info) tired	(orig) (info) back for more	(orig) (info) Just walking in the mines was work. 14,000 feet. 80-100 degrees. Narrow tunnels. But they will work two or three 8-10 hour shifts with a few hours rest between,2-3 times a week.
(orig) (info) A near-vertical shaft, with one of the few powered winces in the mine.	(orig) (info) Enjoying a rest. This miner had been working in the mines for 38 years.	(orig) (info) miners
(orig) (info) on the way out