'The mountain that eats men' in Bolivia - BBC News

Summary

This documentary explores the lives of miners in Potosí, Bolivia, a region once rich in silver but now impoverished and suffering from dangerous working conditions. The miners, many of them teenagers, face hazardous environments, working long hours in cramped, unstable tunnels. Despite the government's promises of change, economic hardship and the persistence of child labor continue to plague the community. The miners turn to dangerous methods for survival, driven by a lack of alternative opportunities, while the government's lack of enforcement on safety standards perpetuates the cycle of death and poverty.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mining in Potosí, Bolivia, once a source of immense wealth, has led to extreme poverty and dangerous working conditions for the local population.
• 😀 Miners, including young boys like Marco, work in hazardous tunnels with little safety and are exposed to life-threatening conditions such as toxic fumes and cave-ins.
• 😀 The mines are largely controlled by independent cooperatives, which profit unevenly, with casual workers earning significantly less than cooperative partners.
• 😀 Despite the presence of vast mineral resources, the region remains one of the poorest in South America due to systemic inequalities and poor labor conditions.
• 😀 Many miners face health problems, including respiratory diseases, due to the dust and toxic substances in the mines, with no way to reverse the damage.
• 😀 The mining culture in Potosí includes both spiritual beliefs and practical survival strategies, with miners offering coca and alcohol to 'El Tío,' the spirit of the mine, to protect themselves.
• 😀 Women and children are deeply affected by the mining industry, with many children as young as 8 working in the mines or spending time around the dangerous sites.
• 😀 Political and governmental intervention has been limited, with President Evo Morales’s policies not yet significantly improving the miners' lives despite claims of economic growth.
• 😀 The mines continue to operate in defiance of warnings from organizations like UNESCO, which has identified the area as at high risk of collapse due to uncontrolled mining activities.
• 😀 Widows, like Juanita, face significant hardship after losing husbands in mining accidents, with little financial or emotional support from the government or mining companies.
• 😀 Despite the ongoing dangers and exploitation, many miners hold onto hope for a better future for their families and push for government intervention and safer working conditions.

Q & A

What is the historical significance of the Potosí mines?

The Potosí mines were once known for having enough silver to bridge the Atlantic Ocean. After 500 years of mining, the area has seen significant human suffering, with many workers dying in the process, leaving a tragic legacy tied to the exploitation of its riches.

Why do some workers, like Suzanna, work in the mines at night?

Suzanna works in the mines at night because she attends school during the day. This highlights the challenging lives of young people who have to balance education with dangerous labor to help support their families.

What is the role of the cooperative in the mining operations?

The cooperative in the mining operations allows miners to extract materials, but it is a system where profits are not shared equally. Casual workers like Marco earn much less than the cooperative partners, reflecting an inequality in the industry.

What cultural beliefs exist within the mining community?

In the mining community, there is a belief in a figure called 'El Tío,' who is considered the guardian of the mines. Miners offer him gifts like coca and alcohol for protection and to ensure a safe working environment.

What are some of the health risks miners face?

Miners face severe health risks such as lung disease from inhaling dust and fumes, and there are also frequent accidents that result in fatalities. For example, Juanita’s husband died due to poisoning from gases in the mine.

How does the mining environment affect families living nearby?

Families living near the mines face harsh conditions, including lack of basic services like water and electricity. Olga, a mother living in the area, expresses concerns about the safety of her children, who often play around the mines despite the dangers.

What is the economic condition of the region, and how do the cooperatives contribute to it?

Potosí, one of the poorest regions in Bolivia, depends heavily on mining, with cooperatives providing nearly 90% of mining jobs. However, the economic situation remains dire for many, with many workers earning meager wages and facing dangerous working conditions.

What role does the Bolivian government play in the mining industry?

The Bolivian government has a close relationship with the mining cooperatives, which wield significant political power. Despite some economic growth under President Morales, changes have not yet significantly improved the lives of those working in the mines.

How do the miners’ working conditions affect their long-term health and well-being?

The working conditions in the mines, such as exposure to toxic gases and physical strain, contribute to long-term health problems like lung disease. Miners often suffer irreversible damage to their lungs, and many face an early death due to accidents or illnesses.

Why is there a high rate of child labor in the Potosí mines?

There is a high rate of child labor in the Potosí mines due to economic necessity. Families are often impoverished and rely on the income children can bring in from mining, despite the dangers involved. Children as young as 8 years old are working in the mines to help support their families.