SITE MUSEUM

LA DIFICULTAD MINE

This mine that started operating in 1889 is, for sure, the most outstanding architectural complex in the cultural landscape of the mining district of Real del Monte and Pachuca, due in part to its location on top of one of the most visible and highest summits of the mountain range, which emphasizes its monumentality.

The historical importance of the site and its technological contribution to the infrastructure of the mining region, made La Dificultad a mining icon and the main character of the greatest technological transformations conducted by the Real del Monte and Pachuca Company management once in hands of Mexican entrepreneurs by the end of the 19th century. On the other hand, it is an outstanding example of the German architectonic style and technology in this mining district. It is one of the best mining industrial heritage examples of the end of an era, the steam one, and the beginning of another one, the electricity one.

Its 40-meter tall beautiful chimney and the impressive engine house stand out; the latter houses in its interior a Birmingham brand steam winch that still operating, plus the electric winch purchased by the American company at the beginning of the 20th century that still providing service to the miners who go dawn the mine.

The Mineral Collection Andrés Manuel del Río includes hundreds of core diamond drilled samples and a wonderful mineral collection with specimens of extraordinary quality from different mines of the country and abroad.