The Bolivian Plateau is a globally significant mineral province, specifically famous for its Tin deposits. High-altitude mining towns like Potosí and Oruro were built around these massive reserves. The tin is found in “veins” associated with the igneous intrusions of the Andes. While the region also produces silver, zinc and lead, tin remains its most iconic export. Geographically, the harsh, thin air and extreme altitude of the Altiplano make mining difficult, yet the sheer volume of high-grade tin has made it the backbone of the Bolivian economy and a key factor in its geopolitical history.