Proactive mining system in potosi silver mines : new information from re-evaluation of historical materials regarding the fifth viceroy toledo’s various policies on environment

Anezaki, Shoji; Miyoshi, Emako

Osaka Human Sciences, 2016, 2, 171-197

Number of Access:684（2025-07-04 15:45 Counts）

Identifier to cite or link to this item: https://doi.org/10.18910/56912

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Title
Proactive mining system in potosi silver mines : new information from re-evaluation of historical materials regarding the fifth viceroy toledo’s various policies on environment
Creator
NRID
1000000772211 1000000772211
CreatorName
Anezaki, Shoji
NRID
1000060294170 1000060294170
researchmap permalink
emako-miyoshi emako-miyoshi
Scopus Author ID
7005784194 7005784194
CreatorName
Miyoshi, Emako
Subject
Potosi silver mine
Viceroy Francisco de Toledo
mercury amalgamation
hydraulic powered system
environmental pollution
Abstract
In this paper, the proactive mining system introduced by the fifth viceroy, Francisco de Toledo (1569–1581) to the Potosi Silver Mine is clarified on the facts found in the historical documents. Main policies in Toledo’s mining business are followings, the application of mercury-amalgamation to extract silver from ores, the construction of the hydraulic-powered system for silver-ore crashing with cascading uses, the recycle system included the extraction of silver from waste ores and collection mercury by pulpprocessing. Also in the Toledo’s era, acceleration of developing Huancavelica mercury mine, and national monopolization and production control on mercury were established. And within Toledo’s mining law, there were cautionary items for pre¬venting the inhalation of mercury gas and the construction of hospitals for treatment. According to those items, the viceroy Toledo may be prominent organizer for business but because these were not technically perfect, environmental damages referred to now as mine pollution started from the colonial period and continued until modern-day period. This pollution can be found in Potosi’s air, water, and soil. The history of Potosi mine can’t be described leaving out the viceroy Toledo.
Publisher
Graduate School of Human Sciences, Osaka University
Source Title
Osaka Human Sciences
Volume (Issue)
2
Page
171-197
Date of Issued
2016-03
Language
English
Handle URL
https://hdl.handle.net/11094/56912
DOI
https://doi.org/10.18910/56912
NCID
AA12727839
Access Rights
open access
oaire:version
Version of Record
Category
紀要論文 Departmental Bulletin Paper
Osaka Human Sciences / Vol.2