The indigenous people of Cerro Rico use tools and techniques similar to those used by their ancestors. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

The indigenous people of Cerro Rico use tools and techniques are similar to those used by their ancestors. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Fruit and vegetables will not grow at this altitude; they have to be brought across perilous mountain passes. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

A band plays mournful music during a festival day. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Coca leaves and alcohol help residents cope with hunger, fatigue and the hard work at 4,600m above sea level. These miners have found oblivion in liquor. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Llama blood is sprinkled at the mine entrance to pacify the spirit of the mine. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Accidents in the mines are frequent. Mourners at a wake for the victim (25) of an accident in the mines. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Retired miners, many suffering from lung fibrosis, while away their days at the union hall. Life expectancy for these men is only 42 years. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Grief-stricken villagers at the funeral of a child. At 200 deaths per thousand children, infant mortality is among the highest anywhere. Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

Cerro Rico, 'the rich mountain', in the Bolivian highlands, is like a rabbit warren. In Spanish colonial times this was a thriving city. At the time half of all silver ever mined originated from here, but the mountain is also the grave of millions of Quechua Indians. Their descendants still go down the mine shafts. They now look for tin, because most of the silver is long gone.

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