Mining in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has an active metalliferous mining industry producing gold and a quarrying industry producing aggregates such as limestone, clay, silica and diatomite.
History
Costa Rica became known as the "Rich Coast" to Spanish settlers because of the rich goldworking by the native cultures. Juan Vazquez de Coronado is said to have been the first European settler to attempt mining in the country, with limited success.Mining for gold in Costa Rica began proper following the discovery of the Avocado Mines by Bishop Garcia, Bishop of Costa Rica, in 1815. The discovery was announced by Don Rafael Gallegos, the second president of Costa Rica, and named Sacra Familia. A gold rush occurred and Upon hearing about the discovery, Richard Trevithick who was then in Peru, travelled to Costa Rica in 1824 to work the Sacra Familia mines under the Anglo-Costa Rica Mining Company; the project was said to be unsuccessful. Other attempts by Cornish miners are said to have occurred in the 1830s and 1840s.
A "second cycle" of mining occurred in the early 20th century following closure of most of earlier mines by the 1870s.
Notable Mines
As described by Reitz.Avocado District">:es:Montes del Aguacate">Avocado District
Aguacate Mines - this consisted of approximately 6 smaller workings: the Main Lode, La Minita, San Miguel, Guapinol, El Balsa, La Cigueña and Don Eusebio.Sacra Familia Mines - adjoining the Aguacate mines on the northwest. Prior to closure in 1884, the mine had its own stamping mill, ores were transported by oxcart. Some of the individual workings were known as Cardinilla, Potrero Alto and Sobre Cañon de San Francisco. There was an arrastra situated on the Rio Quebrada Honda. Los Castros - adjoining the Aguacate Mines on the northeast on the continuation of the Oreamunos lode. Discovered in 1822, its constituent workings were known as Don Ricardo, El Manto, El Pochote, Don Antonio Pinto, Lacre, Sequiera and Don José Antonio Castro.El Porvenir - west of the Aguacate Mines on the Rio Machuca, a short distance north of San Mateo. In 1902 it was being worked by the Rio Grande Gold Mining Company. Quebrada Honde Mine - adjoining the Sacra Familia Mines on the west on the Rio Quebrada Honde. Worked three lodes to a maximum depth of 400 ft. Closed by 1857.Gold Mountain District">:es:Cantón de Montes de Oro">Gold Mountain District
Source:Trinidad Mine - worked by an English company in 1902. La Union - worked by the San Francisco based Union Mining Company in 1902. Macacona Mine - closed c.1870.Bella Vista and la Montezuma - situated near the village of Miramar, Puntarenas district.Abangares District">Abangares (canton)">Abangares District
- Abangarez Gold Fields, Limited - worked lodes known as Tres Hermanos and the Big Gilo.Tres Amigos Mine - worked by the Boston Mines Company. Las Cañas Syndicate - worked a lode known as the Esperanza. Guanacaste Syndicate - worked lodes known as the Gier and the Oracu.
Mining
While some 17 metalliferous commodities are known to have occurrences, only gold, silver and manganese have been worked productively.| Year | Kg |
| 2013 | 1500 |
| 2014 | 1350 |
| 2015 | 950 |
| 2016 | 750 |
| 2017 | 4255 |
| 2018 | 5200 |
| 2019 | 4500 |
| 2020 | 599 |
| 2021 | 647 |
| Total | 19,751 |