An anthology of short writings on mining in the parts of the world that fell under European influence from the mid-15th to the early-19th centuries. This is mainly Latin America, where the principle metals were gold and silver.

Contents: Introduction; Wangara, Akan and Portuguese in the 15th and 16th centuries, Ivor Wilks; Aboriginal metallurgy and metalworking in Spanish America: a brief overview, Robert C. West; Early silver mining in New Spain, 1531-1555, Robert C. West; Technological change in Potosí: the silver boom of the 1570s, Peter Bakewell; Bartolomé de Medina: the patio process and the 16th-century silver crisis, Alan Probert; Forced and free labour in late colonial Potosí, Enrique Tandeter; Notes on the Mexican silver mining industry in the 1590’s, Peter Bakewell; Wages, ore sharing, and peasant agriculture: labour in Oruro’s silver mines, 1607-1720, Ann Zulawski; Long-term silver mining trends in Spanish America: a comparative analysis of Peru and Mexico, Richard L. Garner; The Mexican mining industry in the 18th century, John H. Coatsworth; Silver production in the viceroyalty of Peru, 1776-1824, John Fisher; Mexican silver mining in the 18th century: the revival of Zacatecas, D. A. Brading; Colonial Brazil: the gold cycle, c. 1690-1750, A.J.R. Russell-Wood; Index.

'European and Non-European Societies and Christianity and Missions along with the other volumes in An Expanding World should become a standard collection for any academic library. The invaluable bibliography, the variety of themes, and the historical problems will engage students of all levels, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral, in many aspects of early modern and world history for years to come.' Sixteenth Century Journal, Vol. XXX, No. 1 'This volume...contains important information on numerous aspects of early modern American history. Moreover, the book presents a unique vantage point from which to view crucial building blocks of an emerging global economy...It is a ’must-buy’ for every academic library in the world.' Journal of World History