This is a real life TNT you are seeing me holding. In 5 minutes the whole thing would go BOOM! It was lit up and passed around amongst the tourist for posing. This TNT cost 15 Bolivianos all together and is legal to buy anywhere in Potosi. In fact, the number one suicide method is by blowing one self up!
The tour of Potosi´s mine itself was pretty grim. It shows you the harsh working condition face by the miners, some as young as 9 were used, even though the legal age is 18. Luckily we didn´t meet any kids underground. The mine itself is a real working mine, with 4 levels deep. Underground the temperatures can get to 45 degrees. Workers were scurrying past us as we follow our guide inside the shaft. At parts it got very narrow and the fumes were choking. Good thing I wore my Cambodian scarf to help with breathing. Some people freak themselves out and a friend had to be led out after getting too claustrophobic.
Because of the condition underground most often die of silicosis pneumonia within 10 years of entering the mine.
I follow Koala Tours on this and highly recommend them and my guide - Pedro.
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