SILVER
La Valenciana Mine
This mine accounted for two-thirds of the world’s silver production at its height began operation in 1774. From then until the early 19th century it was one of the most productive silver mines in the world. It produced 80% of all silver mined in the state of Guanajuato, and one-sixth of all Mexico. For over 250 years, it produced about 30% of the world’s silver. The mine continues operation today. Production is much diminished, but one ton of rock is still extracted every six minutes. The largest shaft descends for 450 meters and about 10,000 miners have worked it over its history.
