STNMTZ_20080129_16529.tif | George Steinmetz

Midday shift change at the Huanuni tin mine.

Huanuni, the largest tin mine in Bolivia, was begun in the early 19th Century but has been periodically shut down as tin ore prices fluctuated, but is now operational once again as tin prices have risen to aprox. US$7/lb. The mine was recently re-nationalized by President Evo Morales (in 2006) and is managed by COMIBOL (Corporation Minera de Bolivia). Miners are paid from US$2,000 per month to US$250 per month depending on skill and experience level.

Filename: STNMTZ_20080129_16529.tif
Copyright: ©2008 George Steinmetz
Image Size: 4368x2912 / 36.4MB; Altiplano Andes Bolivia Huanuni tin mine desert minerals mining
Contained in galleries: Altiplano

Midday shift change at the Huanuni tin mine.<br />
<br />
Huanuni, the largest tin mine in Bolivia, was begun in the early 19th Century but has been periodically shut down as tin ore prices fluctuated, but is now operational once again as tin prices have risen to aprox. US$7/lb. The mine was recently re-nationalized by President Evo Morales (in 2006) and is managed by COMIBOL (Corporation Minera de Bolivia). Miners are paid from US$2,000 per month to US$250 per month depending on skill and experience level.