Mercury, Mining, and Empire: The Human and Ecological Cost of Colonial Silver Mining in the Andes

by Nicholas A. Robins

On the basis of an examination of the colonial mercury and silver production processes and related labor systems, Mercury, Mining, and Empire explores the effects of mercury pollution in colonial Huancavelica, Peru, and Potosí, in present-day Bolivia. The book presents a multifaceted and interwoven tale of what colonial exploitation of indigenous peoples and resources left in its wake. It is a socio-ecological history that explores the toxic interrelationships between mercury and silver production, urban environments, and the people who lived and worked in them. Nicholas A. Robins tells the story of how native peoples in the region were conscripted into the noxious ranks of foot soldiers of proto-globalism, and how their fate, and that of their communities, was―and still is―chained to it.

Genres: History, Environment

298 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2011

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Snap! Without ever mentioning him by name in the text, this book is a total academic WWF-style takedown of Peter Bakewell's Spanish-colonial apologist work "Miner's of the Red Mountain." Robins does a brilliant job tying together the past with the present, using scientific data along with historical primary sources to demonstrate the continuing human and environmental damage done by silver and mercury mining in the 16th and 17th centuries. If you read one book on mining in colonial Latin America, make it this one!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best nonfiction books I've ever read. Meticulously researched and beautifully written. In the conclusion, the author points out that diminishing Spain's wants from their colonies paints this picture of colonialism that isn't really true. Understanding the mining process, mercury, and the mita undoes all that and allows us to paint the true picture of brutality that was in place for over 200 years. The fact we still have pieces of these cultures to understand and celebrate is amazing in and of itself, and really allows me to appreciate the sacrifices that generations of natives underwent in order to preserve what they could.

Must-read book for anyone interested in mineral processing and history. I aspire to write nonfiction like this author. This is a work of historical art.

[Chris Mcmanaman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book! Peruvian history is something out of a dystopian sci-fi novel

Could be the basis for the hunger games. The treatments of Indians was insane. All the silver and wealth they provided Europe...sickening.