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Much is still to be known about the Larimar mining process. The inaccessible mountainous region makes information about the region holding the few Larimar mines largely restricted to the locals.
The few Larimar mines that exist are situated near Barahona, a remote region in the Dominican Republic. The absence of metal roads and inhospitable surroundings make the approach to the mines nearly impossible. However, for the daring, the journey offers spectacular views of the real and remote tropical forests. The entire region is very backward, with inadequately constructed houses and huts making up the majority of constructions. Mining is the solitary source of employment of the natives of Barahona, and a visit to any of the Larimar mines bears testimony to that.
Miners have to be satisfied with manual tools for mining. The lack of necessary investments forces the miners to work with no other options. Larimar mining is also hazard-prone and miners have to work under dangerous environments and with inadequate safety measures.
Larimar mining becomes more hazardous during the rainy season. Dominican Republic lies entirely within the tropics and rain is a major hindrance to the mining process. The mines are often flooded; the deep volcanic tunnels occasionally cave in, trapping miners underground. Miners have reportedly been buried alive during mine collapses.
Another interesting factor about Larimar mining is regarding the reserve of the stone in the mines. Absence of latest machinery makes it impossible for the miners to determine the reserve. In short, the mines can turn out to be devoid of Larimar any time.
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