ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on the relationships between the communities and the mining company and what can be learned and applied at other mining projects. Sometime in the second half of the 17th century, rumours began circulating in the community of San Cristobal of a giant silver mine and great riches for the residents. There is a distinct lack of documented evidence for the foundation of San Cristobal. However, by combining written records, known dates and the oral history of the community, a reasonable sequence of events can be assembled. In occupying San Cristobal and assuming control of Lipez, the Spanish colonial administration adopted and incorporated the pre-existing traditional form of indigenous community and local government, the ayllu. The veins of silver ore at San Cristobal, although locally rich, were thin and discontinuous.
