Brief history of geological and mining exploration in nineteenth century Mexico

Abstract

In the nineteenth century, both Mexican and foreign scientific travellers, explorers, naturalists, engineers, mining entrepreneurs and enthusiasts made several scientific trips and expeditions across the whole of Mexico to prospect for its natural and mineral wealth. As they did so, they wrote records and articles and drew maps. This article discusses the state-organized geological and mining commissions and writings that promoted extraction activities in the country, offering an overview of the developments in geological and mining exploration through the scientific literature published by earth science pioneers in Mexico.