Challenges in the Conservation of Mining Heritage: Sites of the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro

Resumen

This research contributes to the study of industrial mining heritage, its relevance, vulnerability, and the challenges for its conservation and enhancement, taking as a context the ancient royal mine towns of the Royal Road of the Interior Land. This cultural thoroughfare was recognized by UNESCO and is originated in the discovery and exploitation of rich mineral deposits. Mining heritage sites have been identified through historical-documentary research and an analysis of their assessment by local communities, through surveys and interviews. Additionally, the technical and legal instruments that recommend dismantling these structures –ignoring their social and cultural dimension– as part of environmental regulations were reviewed. The study exposes the unsustainable situation affecting this heritage, despite its potential to be revitalized through adaptive reuse and to contribute to the inclusive development of communities impacted by natural resource depletion.