Monday the 28th of April 2003 – Day 69
More information on the town can be got here which is excellent infomation. Basically the town has a population of 121,000. It is a well preserved Spanish colonial city and the highest in the world (altitude 4090 metres), now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hard work walking around at this height.
We got up at 8.00am to get breakfast at the cafe over the Koala tours office. Apple pie was 5 B for a massive portion. Rich and Beth were also doing the tour. The group of 15 were shepared onto a bus. We were brought to a depot to change into the miners gear. Waterproof (and dirt proof) top and pants, wellingtons and hard hat with battery operated head lamp. We then went to the miners market. At the market you have the opportunity to buy presents for the miners (on good days they may earn 20 B). A stick of dynamite, detonator and 2 metres of fuse cost only 16 B. Also welcome are cigarettes, Inca Cola drink, and the essential big bag of coca leaves. For 20 B expenditure you can make several miners very happy. It is through this method, they do not mind gringoes coming down to the mines and taking photographs.
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour. The kid with the green jersey facing the camera is 15 and has been working in the mines for a year. He may live another 20 years because of the fine dust and chemical exposure.
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour. Feeling the pressure. We were 3 levels down. We got there by crawling and struggling in the dark in small tunnels with just wooden supports. They were big holes and unprotected shafts everywhere. There were no stairs, lights or elevators. Ventilation was bad. We had to crawl down to the levels (we went to the third) on our hands and feet. The tunnels were no larger than 4.5 feet in height. Therefore, I was only able to actually fully stand 2 or 3 times during the tour. This is extreme reality tourism, as 6000 miners still work the 120 mines here looking for ore (silver, zinc, lead). Practices are very primitive with just dynamite, shovels and pick axes used. Temperatures can reach (and it felt like it) 35 Oc down here.
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour. The kid with the green jersey facing the camera is 15 and has been working in the mines for a year. He may live another 20 years because of the fine dust and chemical exposure.
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour. Hard guys.
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour. The guides fixed up to dynamite packs with booster (ammonia nitrate) and a 40 second fuse. It was some bang.
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Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour
Taken on the 28th of April 2003
Potosi- Bolovia – Mining Tour. Holding the explosive device.
Click on the picture to see it in its original size
It was hard work. I would not recommend the tour for anyone who does not like extreme humid conditions, darkness, or confined spaces. There was no safety provisions in the mine and you crawl past numerous holes. Our guide who worked in the mines for 10 years (he started when he was 13) was excellent. I felt for the men (and boys) who work here. After the tour, we went for a few beers, had a meal, a shower and went out to see the towns nightlife. It was pretty dead, which was expected due to the fact it was a Monday night. Even so, the beer at this altitude effects you a lot more, and gets you drunk faster. Therefore, we were in bed by 12.00 midnight.