Mines refers to locations where valuable minerals, such as gold or silver, are extracted from the earth. These minerals were highly sought after by the Spanish colonial system for their economic value.
Related terms
Encomienda: A system used in Spanish colonies where indigenous people were forced to work in mines or on plantations under Spanish control.
Haciendas: Large agricultural estates in Spanish colonies that often utilized forced labor from indigenous peoples.
Mercantilism: An economic theory that emphasized a nation's wealth through trade and accumulation of precious metals, leading to the exploitation of resources like those found in mines.