There are beds of coal in various parts of Mexico, but principally in the States of Oaxaca, Vera Cruz, Mexico, Puebla, Nuevo Leon, Tamaulipas, and Sonora. Anthracite of good quality is mined in the latter State,[1] and a fair quality of it is worked in the northern parts of Tamaulipas and Nuevo Leon. Some of this coal is burned in the engines of the Mexican National Railway. Lignite or brown coal occurs in many localities, but it is not used to any extent. We have stated elsewhere,[2] that coal is imported in large quantities, owing to the scarcity of fuel near the lines of the railroads. It may be added that an extensive mine of coal would be of more value to Mexico at present than one of gold.
As regards the cost and methods of mining in Mexico, it may be remarked, that the art has not yet attained the high degree of perfection known in Europe and the United States. Humboldt stated in 1803, that subterranean geometry was mostly unknown, and that, as a rule, the means of communication between contiguous mines were badly arranged. Millions have been expended in developing the mineral wealth of Guanajuato and Zacatecas. It is said that the Count de Valenciana dug three pits in a single mine near the former city, at the cost of $1,700,000 (vide p. 266).
Owing to the low price of labor and the very economical methods of the natives, more can be accomplished for a given amount of money at present, by working the metallic mines on the old Mexican plan, than by the modern and improved system. (Vide chapter on labor and wages.)
Thus far, few shafts have been sunk to a greater depth than one thousand feet. Steam-hoisting works, pumps, and tramways in the various levels of the mines are rarely
