Contemplating Life as a Miner

For over five centuries now, young men in Bolivia have faced the decision of

whether to spend 10 or more hours per day underground in conditions

fraught with physical danger, a high incidence of respiratory disease, and a

high rate of alcoholism. The attraction to this grueling work is a pay rate

higher than any other manual work in the country. Some more info from a

PBS film about the primary Potosi mine, Cerro Rico:

Today, 9,000 Bolivian miners—including hundreds of children—work in the

mines of Cerro Rico, using only primitive protection and equipment. Working

in a maze of over 20,000 tunnels, the miners, often referred to as the

“scavengers of Cerro Rico,” make it their mission to find any scraps of the

valuable minerals overlooked during Spanish rule.

Fatal accidents are frequent and most miners fall victim to the black lung

disease by age 40, according to Kief Davidson and Richard Ladkani, the

director/producers of THE DEVIL’S MINER. The children, who put their lives

at risk, earn the Bolivian equivalent of $3 for a 12-hour workday. As seen in

the film, it takes two months’ salary just to purchase the necessary uniform

and supplies to attend school in the region.

Today, 9,000 Bolivian miners—including hundreds of children—work in the

mines of Cerro Rico, using only primitive protection and equipment. Working

in a maze of over 20,000 tunnels, the miners, often referred to as the

“scavengers of Cerro Rico,” make it their mission to find any scraps of the

valuable minerals overlooked during Spanish rule.

Wow, thank you for taking the time to relay the plight of these people. I never knew this was happening. Actually, I really have to admit that I don't know much about Bolivia. Such dangerous health and physical conditions, and to think it is one of the highest paying jobs, but is so little compared to standards in North America. I imagine when one is in such poverty, it is so tempting to work for any decent wage. When I think of the children, it is so hard to believe. I begin to think of all the other 'dangers' associated with this kind of life that could occur with these young ones. I will be more aware and hopefully I will see this program on PBS or be able to see it online. I imagine there are so many others, all over the world that we never really hear of who face such unimaginable dangers each day. I would think you have seen 'too much' in all of your travels Jim.

This image would not have meant much of anything without that story, Thank you! kind regards, Gail