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Silver Mining / Peru 1869
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Silver Mining / Peru 1869
An apire or ore-bearer in the silver mines at Cerro de Pasco, Peru. Date: 1869
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Media ID 7145497
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1869 Bearer Cerro Metals Mines Mining Peru Pasco
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the harsh realities of silver mining in the late 19th century, specifically at the Cerro de Pasco mines in Peru. The central figure in the photograph is an apire, or ore-bearer, who labored tirelessly to transport heavy loads of silver ore from the depths of the mine to the surface. Dressed in protective clothing and wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield himself from the sun and the dust, the apire appears determined and focused, his face etched with the marks of toil and hardship. The Cerro de Pasco mines were among the most productive in the world during this period, and the demand for silver was at an all-time high due to its use in various industries, including photography, coins, and jewelry. The mines were located at an elevation of over 14,000 feet, making working conditions extremely challenging. The thin air, extreme temperatures, and lack of oxygen made the work even more arduous, and accidents were common. Despite the risks and hardships, thousands of workers, many of them indigenous Peruvians, toiled in the mines to earn a living. The ore was extracted using a combination of manual labor and simple tools, and then transported to the surface using a system of ropes and pulleys. The ore was then processed using mercury to extract the silver, which was then transported to markets around the world. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the lives of the men and women who worked in the silver mines of Cerro de Pasco over a century ago. It is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and hardships endured by miners in the pursuit of valuable metals, and the important role that mining played in shaping the global economy during the Industrial Revolution.
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