The Silver Heart of Empire
nThe major silver mines opened in Mexico and Peru during the mid-16th century.
nPotosí in Bolivia, the largest mine, and Zacatecas in Mexico resulted in the creation of wealthy urban centers.
nMines were worked by Indians, at first through forced methods and later for wages.
nMining
techniques were European.
nThe discovery of extensive mercury deposits was vital for silver extraction.
nThe crown owned all subsoil rights; private individuals worked the mines at their expense in return for giving the crown one-fifth of production.
