Potosi and the Silver Mines

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The infamous Silver mines of Potosi, I had to do a tour.
There are 5000 men and 1000 children still working in the mines. The children, youngest being 8 years old, make about $1.50 per day. This is pretty good money compared to other kids working on the streets in Potosi. The working conditions in the mine are horrendous, I could barely breath after being in there for 5 minutes. The workers usually stay for at least 8 or 10 hours per day. They dont eat beacause it is too dirty in the mines, they chew coca leaves all day.

The life expectancy of a mine worker is 10 years after entering the mines.

Very cool city, interesting tour!

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Photos

Cerro Rico
The mountain with all the SILVER!!

Me in the Mine
Having trouble breathing!!

Mine workers
pushing trollies full of PLATA out of the mine

In the mines
action shot

In the mines
Shawn, on the verge of passing out due to heat, exhaustion and toxic fumes

Buying gifts for the miners
Before entering the mines, most gringos bring gifts for the miners such as water, coca leaves and dynamite

The Lads
Shawn, John, Cory and I

Potosi
View from Cerro Rico