Potosi Silver Mines, Bolivia

The silver mines of Potosi at 4070m above sea level have been in operation since deposits were found in the overlooking hill in 1545. The town quickly became the largest and wealthiest in Latin America. Unfortunatley conditions for the miners were (and remain) awful and it is thought that up to 8 million workers have died from related diseases.
Our trip started with us being given safety equipment/lights etc. Next we were shown a demonstration of a dynamite explosion (see Rebecca holding a lit stick!) before going down into the mines which are incredibly cramped and airless. We met miners and gave them gifts of food, coca leaves and plastic explosives!
Definately one of the most interesting yet sad experiences we have had - especially meeting a 14 year old lad working for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week at the rockface.