Tag Archives: mining

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From Cornwall to Mexico: The Story of Pastes and Mining Migration

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By Alicia Flores

The humble pasty, a traditional food from Cornwall, crossed the Atlantic in the 19th century, bringing with it a history of migration, industry, and cultural fusion. Today, in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, this once-foreign dish has become a beloved local specialty known as paste, a symbol of the legacy left by the Cornish miners who came in search of new opportunities in Mexico’s silver mines.

The Cornish Migration to Mexico
In the early 19th century, Cornwall was facing economic hardship. The collapse of the tin and copper mining industries left many miners without work, forcing them to seek opportunities elsewhere. Skilled in deep mining techniques, Cornish workers were highly sought after across the world, from Australia to South America. When British investors began developing silver mines in Mexico, they recruited these experienced miners, offering them the promise of steady wages and a better life. For many, migrating to Mexico was not just a necessity but also a chance to build a new future for their families.

At the beginning of the 19th century, Mexico’s mining industry was struggling due to outdated methods. After gaining independence in 1821, the new government looked for international experts to help modernize the mines, especially in the state of Hidalgo. British investors saw an opportunity and brought highly skilled miners from Cornwall, who settled in Real del Monte (Mineral del Monte) and Pachuca.

Between the 1820s and 1840s, hundreds of Cornish miners arrived in Mexico, bringing with them advanced mining techniques and a strong work ethic. Their impact on Mexico’s silver industry was immense, as they modernized extraction methods and significantly increased production. While some miners eventually returned home, many stayed, started families, and left a cultural mark that is still visible today.

The Birth of the Paste
With migration comes the exchange of traditions, and the Cornish pasty was no exception. Originally designed as a practical, filling meal for miners, the pasty had a thick, crimped crust that served as a handle, allowing miners to eat without contaminating their food with the toxic minerals on their hands.In Mexico, the pasty evolved to suit local ingredients and flavors, becoming what is now known as the paste. While the original fillings included beef, potatoes, and onions, over time, Mexican flavors such as black beans, tinga (spiced shredded chicken), and even mole were incorporated. The idea remained the same—a nourishing, portable meal—but with a local twist.

Pastes Today: A Mexican Culinary Tradition
Over the years, pastes have become a true symbol of Hidalgo’s gastronomy. Every year, the town of Real del Monte celebrates the Festival del Paste, where visitors can try both traditional recipes and creative new flavors. Today, bakeries throughout the region have perfected the art of making pastes, offering a wide variety of options, from the classic meat and potato to sweet and savory combinations with Mexican ingredients like pineapple, rajas con queso (chili strips with cheese), and chorizo.

A Legacy of Cultural Exchange
The migration of Cornish miners to Mexico brought more than just technological advances to the mining industry—it also sparked an exchange of traditions and flavors. While the mining sector evolved over time, pastes remained as a culinary bridge between two cultures.Today, the story of pastes reminds us how migration shapes our food and how a simple meal created for hardworking miners became an essential part of Mexican cuisine. Whether enjoyed in Cornwall or Hidalgo, pastes continue to tell the story of those who brought them across the ocean.

Huatulco

Batopilas: A Silver Town in the Heart of the Sierra Madre

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By Jane Bauer

Tucked deep within the rugged canyons of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua, the town of Batopilas boasts a rich mining history that once made it one of the wealthiest silver-producing centers in Mexico. Though now a quiet and picturesque village, Batopilas was once a thriving boomtown that attracted miners, adventurers, and fortune-seekers from around the world.

The indigenous Tarahumara people were aware of the region’s mineral wealth long before the arrival of the Spanish, but it was in 1632 that Spanish explorers officially discovered silver in Batopilas. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the town’s mines were producing vast quantities of high-grade silver, some of it so pure that it could be molded by hand.

The most famous chapter in Batopilas’ mining history began in 1880 when Alexander Shepherd, a former governor of Washington, D.C., acquired mining rights in the area. Shepherd, seeing the immense potential of Batopilas’ silver deposits, invested heavily in modernizing the industry. He built an extensive network of tunnels, processing facilities, and even a hydroelectric plant—the first in Mexico—allowing for increased production and efficiency. This innovation made Batopilas one of the first places in Mexico to have electricity, long before many larger cities, further cementing its status as an important industrial center. Under Shepherd’s management, the Batopilas Mining Company became one of the world’s top silver producers, extracting millions of ounces of silver and employing thousands of workers.

Despite its prosperity, Batopilas’ fortunes were not destined to last. The challenges of operating in such a remote and rugged region, combined with the volatility of silver prices and the turmoil of the Mexican Revolution, led to a decline in mining operations. By the mid-20th century, large-scale mining had ceased, and Batopilas slowly faded into obscurity.

I’ve only been to Batopilas once, almost 20 years ago, but it left a lasting impression on me. It felt like a ghost town, silent and almost surreal, yet I could sense that something extraordinary had happened there. Getting there was an adventure in itself—I took a public van from Creel, winding down these steep canyon roads, gripping my seat as we navigated hairpin turns with sheer drops on either side. It was hard to believe that this remote, sleepy village had once been a booming center of wealth and industry. Learning about its history later only deepened my fascination. I haven’t been back, but Batopilas has stayed with me, lingering in my mind like an unfinished story, calling me to return one day.

How to Get There
Batopilas is deep in the Copper Canyon region of Chihuahua, and getting there is no small feat. The most common route is from Creel, a town that serves as a hub for exploring the region. From Creel, travelers can take a shared van or a public bus for the approximately 5-6 hour journey down the dramatic mountain roads into the canyon. The road is steep, narrow, and thrilling—equal parts breathtaking and nerve-wracking. For those looking for a more scenic approach, the Chepe train runs to Creel, where you can arrange transport onward to Batopilas. The journey isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you love travel that feels like stepping into a different time, Batopilas is worth every twist and turn.

While large-scale mining is a thing of the past, Batopilas remains a testament to the power and impermanence of resource-driven economies. Its story is one of ambition, ingenuity, and resilience—a silver town that shone brightly and then faded, leaving behind a legacy etched in the canyons of the Sierra Madre.

Huatulco

Mexican Opals

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By Julie Etra

Yes, Mexico mines and refines opals, primarily around Querétaro today and formerly in the state of Jalisco. Opal enthusiasts can even take tours near La Trinidad, less than 30 minutes from Tequisquiapan, to explore the region’s rich opal deposits (see Kary Vannice’s article elsewhere in this issue).

Global Distribution
Opals are found worldwide in specific geological formations, with each region producing distinct varieties. In addition to Mexico, opal mines exist in Germany, France, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, England, and Nevada, USA. Nevada opal, found in the Virgin Valley northeast of Las Vegas, is a type of fire opal, similar to the vibrant opals mined in Mexico.

The Origins of the Name
The word “opal” is derived from the Latin opalus, related to sight and light, while the Greek opallious means “to see a change of color.” Opals have been admired since ancient times, with the Roman author and naturalist Pliny the Elder describing them around 55 A.D.

In the Aztec civilization, opals were known as Vitzitziltecpa in the Nahuatl language, meaning “hummingbird stone.” The Aztecs believed opals had magical and healing properties, and these gemstones, mined in Querétaro, were often presented as tribute to the rulers of Tenochtitlán. Examples of these opals can be seen today at the Museo del Templo Mayor in Mexico City.

Legends and Myths
One of the most famous legends about opals comes from India. In Hindu mythology, the gods Brahma, Shiva, and Vishnu quarreled over a beautiful maiden. The Eternal One, tired of their bickering, transformed her into a cloud and dyed it in multiple colors to distinguish it from others. As the cloud dissolved into rain and touched the earth, it created opal—known as the “stone of a thousand colors.”

Types of Opals
Opals are classified into two main types: precious (also called noble) and common. The key difference is that precious opals exhibit a “play of color,” shifting hues depending on the angle and light, while common opals are typically translucent and lack this effect.

Precious Opal Varieties:
Black Opal: A dark-bodied opal (black, dark blue, or gray) with striking play of color.

White Opal: Light-colored (white or pale cream) with a delicate color play.

Boulder Opal: Found attached to its ironstone or sandstone host rock.

Crystal Opal: Transparent to semi-translucent with vibrant play of color.

Matrix Opal: Displays color play throughout the entire stone, not just on the surface.

Fire Opal: Translucent to transparent with red, orange, or yellow hues, often found in Mexico.

Pink Opal: A common opal variety ranging in shades of pink.

Hyalite Opal: A clear, glass-like opal with no play of color.

Dark Opal: Has a darker body tone but is not as deep as black opal.

Common Opal (also known as Potch):
– Lacks the characteristic play-of-color found in precious opal.
-Can be found in various colors, including purple, pink, blue, and green.

·Doublet and Triplet Opals:
These are assembled opals, where a thin layer of opal is bonded to a backing (doublet) or sandwiched between two pieces of resin or potch (triplet).

Opal Formation
Opals are formed through volcanic activity and are composed of a silica-based gel that can contain up to 10% water. Silica, a compound of silicon and oxygen, is also found in quartz crystals and beach sand.

Opal formation is associated with geothermal activity—hot springs and geysers bring silica-rich water to the surface, where it settles into cracks and fissures, gradually hardening into layers. Opals most commonly form in rocks such as:

Limonite: An iron ore.
Sandstone: A sedimentary rock.
Marl: A light-colored, carbonate-rich mud found in freshwater and marine environments.
Rhyolite & Basalt: Volcanic rocks associated with Mexico’s opal deposits.

Mexican Opals
Mexico is famous for its fire opals, which range from translucent to transparent red, orange, and yellow. Despite their name, not all fire opals exhibit play of color—the term refers to their body color rather than optical effects.

Opals were prized by the Aztecs, but large-scale mining did not resume until the early 1800s, when Querétaro became a major hub for opal extraction. In the 1950s, opals were discovered northwest of Guadalajara in Jalisco, near the town of Magdalena. By the 1960s, Magdalena was surrounded by hundreds of small-scale mines. Although much of the area was mined out by the 1970s, some open-pit mining continues today, using bulldozers and backhoes to extract opals from rhyolite formations.

If you’re looking to purchase fire opals, La Crucecita offers various options—but quality varies. For expert guidance and high-quality stones, Cielito Lindo is a trusted local jeweler.

Huatulco

The Digital Minefield: Navigating the Complexities of Cryptocurrency

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By Randy Jackson

Historical Context: The Price Revolution

After the Spanish conquest of the Americas in the sixteenth century, gold and silver from the mines of Mexico and Peru flooded Spain and spilled across Europe. As gold and silver were already the currencies of Europe, this dramatically increased the money supply, causing a sustained period of inflation throughout Europe. The economic historian Earl Hamilton named this period “The Price Revolution,” highlighting the ripple effects on prices and economic power structures due to this dramatic shift in currency supply.

From Tangible Value to Fiat: The Evolution of Money

For centuries, the value of money was rooted in tangible commodities like gold and silver. In fact, for much of human history, currency was the value of the actual coin exchanged, often gold, silver, copper, or bronze. Later, and for centuries longer, the value of paper currencies depended on a country’s gold reserves. However, gold-reserve-based currencies limited the ability of governments to control the economy, such as the ability to increase money supply during economic downturns. By the 1970s, governments adopted “fiat” currency – fiat literally means “let it be done,” i.e., a decree, in this case allowing government economic actions and policies, rather than physical gold, establish the value of a country’s currency.

The Rise of Cryptocurrency

Today, cryptocurrency represents a radical shift in understanding, using, and valuing currency. It is a currency that does not depend on minerals or government authority. Instead, its value depends on the trust in the underlying technology, called “blockchain,” and the community consensus of its users; in other words, the value of a cryptocurrency at any moment is the market “sentiment” for that cryptocurrency. Today, hundreds of billions of dollars (US) worth of cryptocurrencies are traded daily. There are many different cryptocurrencies; Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Tether make up the majority of daily trading volumes.

Advantages and Challenges of Decentralization

Cryptocurrency proponents tout decentralization from government and banking institutions as one of its main advantages. Without currency exchange or bank intermediaries, cryptocurrencies can facilitate easier, faster, and cheaper international transactions, making global commerce more accessible. They also present the paradox of user anonymity paired with transparency of transactions. Using blockchain technology, all cryptocurrency transactions are traceable and on a public ledger, but the person or entity behind the transaction is anonymous.

Practical Guide: How to Purchase Cryptocurrency

● Create an account on a cryptocurrency exchange: Start by investigating the most widely used cryptocurrency exchanges; the top three are Coinbase, Binance, and Kraken. To comply with financial regulations, you must register and verify your identity. This typically involves providing your name, address, and a copy of a government-issued ID.

● Deposit Funds: Once you have an account, you can transfer funds from your bank account or use a credit card. Your cryptocurrency exchange account will hold the funds you have transferred. You then have funds available to purchase the cryptocurrency of your choice.

● Make a purchase of cryptocurrency: Once you’ve decided on which cryptocurrency to purchase, you can place an order to buy it, or a fraction of it, depending on its price and the minimum purchase amount on the exchange. Transaction fees will apply. To this point, this process is similar to executing trades on a stock exchange.

● Secure your cryptocurrency with a Wallet: There are two types of cryptocurrency Wallets. Hot Wallets are connected to the Internet, allowing easy access to transactions. Cold Wallets are held separately and are not connected to the internet, often on a USB. This digital wallet does not hold the cryptocurrency but the information that proves ownership and the digital keys (information) needed to enable your interaction with the blockchain holding the cryptocurrency.

Understanding Cryptocurrency Transactions

A cryptocurrency transaction relies on that blockchain technology, which offers a highly secure, transparent, and tamper-proof method of recording transactions across a global network of decentralized computers. The steps detailed above explain how to purchase cryptocurrency. The following (VERY simplified version) describes what happens behind the scenes when blockchain technology performs the purchase transaction.

● Transaction creation: When you place an order to buy (or sell) a cryptocurrency, you are requesting to transfer ownership of a certain amount of cryptocurrency. This transaction includes the sender’s details, the recipient’s wallet address, and the amount to be sent.

● Miner Verification: Your new transaction is pooled with other as-yet unconfirmed transactions to form a block of transactions selected by “miners” for processing. A miner registers the transaction on the blockchain using specialized hardware – ASICs, or Application-Specific Integrated Circuits – designed to mine one and only one type of cryptocurrency. The miner uses the ASIC to solve a unique cryptographic puzzle created by a mathematical algorithm based, in part, on the unique transactions included in the block.

Because miners are rewarded for solving the puzzle with a certain amount of the underlying cryptocurrency, they compete to find a solution. When a miner solves the puzzle, the block of transactions is added to the blockchain as a permanent, unalterable verification of those transactions. The transfer of ownership from seller to buyer is now complete.

Cryptocurrency Mining and Environmental Impact

This description of cryptocurrency mining is extremely basic – the nuances and complexities of the actual mining would just boggle the mind of any cryptocurrency novice. However, you can think of the extensive data-processing centers necessary to run blockchain processes as a type of physical cryptocurrency mines.

Blockchain processes require large amounts of electricity for the computers to solve complex mathematical puzzles needed for blockchain functionality. Additional electricity is also necessary to keep the computers cool. As a result, these cryptocurrency mines are built in areas with low electricity rates and places where less air conditioning is required. However, just as most types of physical mining have a negative impact on the environment, the impact of such digital mining operations on the environment is also a concern.

Conclusion: The Future of Mining and Technology

Today, there are cryptocurrency “mines,” or data processing centers, across Mexico, even as Mexico continues the centuries-old tradition of mining metals from the earth – it’s the world’s top producer of silver, and mines significant quantities of gold, copper, and zinc (see articles on mining elsewhere in this issue). Creating wealth by extracting physical minerals seems fundamentally “normal” when it comes to mining, whereas the wealth created by solving advanced equations of cryptographic puzzles doesn’t line up with our concept of mining at all.

And yet, technology is rapidly changing everything, including our concepts. New technologies like blockchain are innovative and capable of transforming entire industries beyond finance; they have already transformed healthcare, real estate, and how supply chains operate. The nature of blockchain technology ensures that once information is entered, it cannot be altered. This offers a technological platform for benefits far beyond the realm of currency exchange.

For contact and comment, email: box95Jackson@gmail.com.

Huatulco

The Thrill of the Hunt: Gem Hunting Adventures in Mexico

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By Kary Vannice

Mexico is home to a rich mining history, with an abundance of precious stones and minerals waiting to be discovered. From opals and quartz to silver and other rare gems, the country offers tourists an exciting opportunity to explore mines, dig for their own gemstones, and learn about deep-rooted mining traditions. Whether you’re an amateur rockhound or a seasoned collector, gem-hunting destinations throughout Mexico provide a unique blend of adventure, history, and hands-on experience.

Mining has been at the heart of Mexico’s story for centuries. Long before the Spanish arrived, the Aztecs and Mayans were using obsidian, jade, and turquoise for tools, jewelry, and ceremonial purposes. When the Spanish set their sights on Mexico’s land, they found an abundance of silver, gold, and other precious minerals, turning places like Guanajuato and Zacatecas into some of the richest mining hubs in the world. Today, that legacy is still alive—not just in the country’s continued mineral production, but in the hands-on experiences available to those who want to dig a little deeper into history (literally).

The Opals of Querétaro

One of the best places to experience this first hand is in the opal mines of Querétaro, near the charming town of Tequisquiapan. The journey begins with a rugged ride up into the hills, where miners have been extracting these fiery gems for generations. Once you arrive on-site, a professional guide explains the area’s geology and teaches participants how to recognize raw opals hidden within the rocks. Visitors are then handed tools and set free to start digging. For some, the rush of excitement when discovering a glimmering stone is well worth the effort, and even for those who don’t find a gem to take home, the stunning views of the Querétaro countryside make the experience equally rewarding.

There’s Silver in Zacatecas

For a completely different kind of mining adventure, head to Zacatecas and step into the depths of Mina El Edén. Once one of the richest silver mines in the world, this underground labyrinth now serves as a fascinating tourist attraction. A small train takes visitors through dimly lit tunnels, past displays of rare minerals and ancient mining tools. The stories of miners who once toiled in the depths add an element of intrigue and bring the bygone days of silver mining to life. And for those seeking a truly unique experience, stick around after dark—this mine is also home to a nightclub, where you can dance the night away inside a mountain.

The Ghost Mines of Mineral de Pozos

Further south in Guanajuato, the ghost town of Mineral de Pozos tells a haunting story of a once-thriving mining community. Mineral de Pozos lay along the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (The Royal Road of the Interior), a major trade route that ran from what is now Mexico City north to what is now Santa Fe, New Mexico. On the Camino Real traveled minerals – most importantly, gold and silver – from the mines in San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, and Guanajuato – Mineral de Pozos was one stop along the way.

The Santa Brigida Mine, with its distinctive stone structures, stands as a monument to Mexico’s mining past. Here, you can wander through the ruins of old mines, their crumbling stone structures still standing as a reminder of a once-booming industry. Trained guides lead visitors through abandoned shafts and tailing piles, where you can sift through rubble in search of small mineral specimens. This connects visitors to the miners who once labored here, and the haunting, picturesque scenery provides great photo opportunities too.

The Mining History Hidden under Guanajuato

In the heart of Guanajuato City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mining history comes alive in an even more immersive way. The labyrinthine tunnels winding through the city were originally mining passageways, and some of the region’s most famous mines, like La Valenciana, once produced an astonishing percentage of the world’s silver. Walking through these tunnels, visitors can see mineral veins up close, learn about the city’s role in Mexico’s economic history, and once you’ve explored the underground, you can take a ride on the city’s gondola to enjoy breathtaking views from high above the city where mining once flourished.

Whether descending into the depths of a historic silver mine, chipping away at rock to reveal blazing fire opals, or simply admiring Mexico’s rich geological diversity, these destinations offer unforgettable experiences for adventurers and gem enthusiasts alike. Each location tells a different chapter of Mexico’s long mining history, and every visit brings the possibility of uncovering something truly special. If you’re ready for an adventure that blends history, discovery, and natural beauty, these Mexican gem-hunting destinations are waiting to be explored.

Huatulco

Editor’s Letter

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By Jane Bauer

“What we call Man’s power over Nature turns out to be a power exercised by some men over other men with Nature as its instrument.”
C.S.Lewis

Dominion or Delusion?

Imagine the center of the Earth—a churning core of fire, hotter than the surface of the sun. Around it, layers of rock, compressed over millennia, hold the planet together. Some of these rocks are laced with gold, silver, and lithium, elements we’ve deemed valuable. Others, we grind into dust beneath our feet without a second thought. Wrapped around all of this is water—vast, deep, and ancient—carving its way through rock, evaporating into clouds, raining back down in an endless cycle.

And then, there’s us.

We exist only on the thinnest layer, a mere film on the surface of this massive, breathing planet. And yet, we draw lines across it, dividing land into nations, waters into territories, air into controlled space. We claim mountains, rivers, even the empty sky, labeling them with deeds and mineral rights. We build economies, establish laws, and enforce rules over something that will never truly belong to us. We convince ourselves we have dominion over the Earth.

But then, the Earth shrugs. An earthquake swallows a city. A hurricane flattens a coastline. A volcano erupts, spilling molten rock as if to remind us where the true power lies. We scramble to rebuild, to reinforce, to regain control, as if control was ever ours to begin with.

Why do we do this? Why is dominion our highest ambition?

What if we saw this endless striving for control not as strength, but as a kind of weakness? What if the leaders who seek to control land, resources, and people weren’t admired for their power, but pitied for their delusion? What if, instead of fighting for dominance, we embraced the simple fact that we are just another part of this planet—not above it, not rulers of it, but made from the same dust as everything else?

Because, in the end, we are not conquerors of rock and water and fire. We are rock and water and fire. And the sooner we recognize that, the sooner we might learn to exist in harmony with the world, rather than constantly trying to claim it.

This month, our writers look at mining in Mexico, one of our earliest efforts to dominate the earth, but one that largely created the modern Mexican economy while filling affluent jewelry boxes. We need to ask at what cost?

See you next month!