Miners work 8 hour shifts, 24 hours a day. 8 hours work, 8 hours rest, 7 days a week. Average work time of 2 years before any emeralds are found...if the miner is so lucky. They receive no pay until they begin to extract stones. |
It is impossible to be in the tunnels without ending up completely wet and very cold. |
Jorge Adeler with guide Cesar Cabrera. |
Another view of the Chivor mines. Jorge Adeler sits atop a rock with a quartz vein containing emeralds. Notice too the mountain face and how it has been forever altered by repeated tunneling. |
Pictures by Jorge Adeler
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