Bolivian most visible and recognized emblem around the world, for at least the last 500 years is falling down, because of the indiscriminate and unregulated mining activities: the last recorded submersion of 38 meters of radius and at least 40 meters deep, took place this January close to 4,400 meters above sea level, on top of this mountain. Around 700 mining workers may have to be relocated to other places below that level. [This photo shows a dent on top, which was nonexistent over thirty years ago, I saw a perfect and beautiful triangle back then. This Cerro Rico has given a lot of wealth since colony times, for Spain and for the construction of the whole Republic.]
Mining and Metallurgy minister, Jose Pimentel has delivered a report on this submersion and will expect a meeting with the Civic Committee and the Federation of Mining Cooperatives of Potosi, in the next 15 days to decide the actions that will stop submersion.
http://www.la-razon.com/version.php?ArticleId=136755&EditionId=2640
Los Tiempos editorial for today broadens the info provided above:
There are two reports: one government issued and mentioned above. Which basically says everything is under control. The other was issued by UNESCO some months ago and reflects: “current situation of the Cerro Rico has not improved since the technical evaluation made in 2005, on the contrary has worsened. The recommendations of the 2005 mission have not been applied yet.” Because of that, the stability of the mountain keeps deteriorating, above and on the sides. More than 500,000 cubic meters of rock have been extracted annually without adopting measures for its stabilization.
While damage will be irreversible to this Bolivian National Emblem, as it is in the central part of our National Shield, the life of 15,000 miners who enter everyday, could also be put at risk.
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