Tomokoni mine
Canutillos subdistrict, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí, Bolivia
Key Information
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The Tomokoni mine is located in the Canutillos subdistrict, Cornelio Saavedra Province, Potosí, Bolivia, in the high Andes, known for its mining history.
It primarily produces vivianite, a rare green iron phosphate, with other minerals like baryte and quartz also present.
The geological structure is sedimentary, with red argillaceous sandstone hosting the minerals, formed in reducing environments.
Mining began in 2003, operated by a cooperative, and seems likely to still be active for specimen collection.
The area has a strong Andean indigenous culture, with Quechua as the main language, and likely celebrates traditional festivals.
The climate is cool to cold, semi-arid, with a short wet season, and the ecology features high-altitude plants and animals like the Andean condor.
Geographic Location
The Tomokoni mine sits in the Canutillos subdistrict of Cornelio Saavedra Province, in the north-eastern part of Potosí Department, Bolivia. This region is part of the Bolivian Andes, at around 4,000 meters above sea level, near the border with Chuquisaca Department. It's a few hundred meters downhill from the Canutillos mine, in an area known for its rich mineral deposits, with the provincial capital Betanzos nearby.
Minerals Produced
The mine is famous for vivianite, a rare iron phosphate mineral with a striking green color, highly sought after by collectors. Other minerals found include baryte, hematite, quartz, and siderite, though vivianite is the focus of mining activities.
Geological Structure and Mining History
The host rock is red argillaceous sandstone, a sedimentary rock rich in clay and iron, where vivianite forms in reducing environments, possibly linked to organic matter. Mining started in 2003 after vivianite was discovered, with three small adits dug for specimen mining. It's operated by a cooperative and seems likely still active, given recent specimen sales.
Local Culture and Climate
The area has a strong Andean indigenous culture, with Quechua as the predominant language, likely featuring traditional festivals and music. The climate is cool to cold, semi-arid, with average temperatures around 7-11°C and a short wet season, typical of high-altitude Andean regions.
Ecology
The ecology includes high-altitude plants like grasses and shrubs, and animals such as the Andean condor, vicuñas, and alpaca, adapted to the harsh Andean environment.