Siglo Veinte Mine

Nestled in the high Andes, the Siglo Veinte Mine is in Llallagua, a town in the northern part of Bolivia's Potosí Department. It's close to Uncía and about 101 km southeast of Oruro, at an elevation of approximately 3,901 meters, offering a dramatic backdrop for mineral enthusiasts. Nearby, Oruro is known for its vibrant carnival, adding cultural richness to the region.

This mine is a treasure for collectors, primarily known for tin, with cassiterite being the star. But it's not just about tin; it also hosts rare phosphates like vauxite and paravauxite, which display deep blue and green hues, respectively, making them visually captivating. Research suggests it's a porphyry tin deposit, linked to Tertiary granitic intrusions, where minerals formed through hydrothermal processes deep within the Earth.

Mining here started in 1901, acquired by Simón Iturri Patiño, the "King of Tin," in the 1910s, and was nationalized in 1952. It faced significant labor unrest, notably the 1967 San Juan Massacre, and production ceased in 1987. The local culture in Llallagua is deeply tied to mining, with potential festivals and traditions reflecting this heritage, set against a backdrop of indigenous Quechua and Aymara influences.

The climate is semi-arid, with cool, wet summers rarely exceeding 22°C and cold winters averaging -4°C at night. This high-altitude environment, at around 3,900 meters, might influence the types of minerals formed, though the exact link needs further exploration.