Miners return home after a day in the mine.
The mines in Siglo XX opened in 1900, attracting thousands of workers from all over. But the market went slowly down and in 1986 the government (the mine was nationalized in 1952), had to close down the mine all together. The miners didn't accept this decision and formed cooperatives to be able to continue working. Nowadays about 5000 miners work again in the mine attracted by the high tin price.
At an altitude of 4000 metres, in a mine with temperatures up to 50 degrees, no elevators, no electricity and all manual labour; the work is dangerous and life expectancy is not higher then 45 years.
Tin mines in Siglo XX, In the back the abandoned tin processing plant.
The mines in Siglo XX opened in 1900, attracting thousands of workers from all over. But the market went slowly down and in 1986 the government (the mine was nationalized in 1952), had to close down the mine all together. The miners didn't except this decision and formed cooperatives to be able to continue working. Nowadays about 5000 miners work again in the mine attracted by the high tin price.
Palliris (people who crush stones to look for minerals) work outside the mines of Siglo XX
Miners have breakfast before entering the mines.
At an altitude of 4000 metres, in a mine with temperatures up to 50 degrees, no elevators, no electricity and all manual labour; the work is dangerous and life expectancy is not higher then 45 years.
Gonzalo Copa, claims to be 16 years old and has worked since two days in the mine, he doesn't like it, he says.
Florencio Mamani is from Tomaycuri. Since 15 years he works in Siglo XX.
At an altitude of 4000 metres, in a mine with temperatures up to 50 degrees, no elevators, no electricity and all manual labour; the work is dangerous and life expectancy is not higher then 45 years.
Barbara Mamani is from Pocuata
At an altitude of 4000 metres, in a mine with temperatures up to 50 degrees, no elevators, no electricity and all manual labour; the work is dangerous and life expectancy is not higher then 45 years.
Zenon Solano from Pocuata, north Potosi and has been working in the mines since the 70's.
At an altitude of 4000 metres, in a mine with temperatures up to 50 degrees, no elevators, no electricity and all manual labour; the work is dangerous and life expectancy is no higher then 45 years.
Gerardo Gabriel (50) is from Pocarasi where there is no high school, he wanted his children to have a better education so he decided six years ago to work in Siglo XX.
He is married and has four kids, his oldest. who is 20 years, also works in the mine. He used to work in a coca lab: 'I earned much more, but it was dangerous'.
The mines in Siglo XX opened in 1900, attracting thousands of workers from all over. But the market went slowly down and in 1986 the government (the mine was nationalized in 1952), had to close down the mine all together. The miners didn't accept this decision and formed cooperatives to be able to continue working. Nowadays about 5000 miners work again in the mine attracted by the high tin price.
A miner entering the mine of Siglo XX.
The mines in Siglo XX opened in 1900, attracting thousands of workers from all over. But the market went slowly down and in 1986 the government (the mine was nationalized in 1952), had to close down the mine all together. The miners didn't except this decision and formed cooperatives to be able to continue working. Nowadays about 5000 miners work again in the mine attracted by the high tin price.
Florencio Mamani (middle) take a rest deep in the mine. In order to fight fatigue, the lack of oxygen and the heat they chew coca leaves. He is from Tomaycuri. Since 15 years he works in Siglo XX
Miners take a rest deep in the mine. In order to fight fatigue, the lack of oxygen and the heat they chew coca leaves.
At an altitude of 4000 metres, in a mine with temperatures up to 50 degrees, no elevators, no electricity and all manual labour; the work is dangerous and life expectancy is not higher then 45 years.
Miners return home after a day in the mine.
The mines in Siglo XX opened in 1900, attracting thousands of workers from all over. But the market went slowly down and in 1986 the government (the mine was nationalized in 1952), had to close down the mine all together. The miners didn't accept this decision and formed cooperatives to be able to continue working. Nowadays about 5000 miners work again in the mine attracted by the high tin price.
Miners return home after a day in the mine.
Ingenio is the place where the tin minerals are processed before send to the factory.
The mines in Siglo XX opened in 1900, attracting thousands of workers from all over. But the market went slowly down and in 1986 the government (the mine was nationalized in 1952), had to close down the mine all together. The miners didn't accept this decision and formed cooperatives to be able to continue working. Nowadays about 5000 miners work again in the mine attracted by the high tin price.
Natividad Zerrato is from San Pedro she has four kids, her husband works as crusher in Siglo XX.
Radio Pio XII is the local radio station of Llallagua and Siglo XX.
Yolanda Choque has every morning a program where people can come to the radio to leave messages for family members they left behind when they migrated to work in Siglo XX.
Good Friday procession in Llallagua
Gerardo Gabriel in front of his house. He is from Pocarasi, he wanted his children to have a better education and decided to work in the mines of Siglo XX, six years ago.
Florencio Mamani with his family at home. Originally he is from Tomaycuri. Since 15 years he works in Siglo XX.
Gerardo Gabriel and his family at home. Originally they are from Pocarasi, he wanted his children to have a better education and decided to work in the mines of Siglo XX, six years ago.
