Aroa mines
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Location | Aroa, Bolívar municipality |
| State | Yaracuy |
| Country | Venezuela |
| Coordinates | 10°25′55″N 68°53′38.7″W / 10.43194°N 68.894083°W |
| Production | |
| Products | Copper |
| Type | Underground |
| Greatest depth | 95 metres (312 ft) |
| History | |
| Opened | 1605 |
| Closed | 1936 |
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The Aroa mines (Spanish: Minas de Aroa) were copper mines in the state of Yaracuy, Venezuela. Mining started in 1632, and at the end of the colonial period the mines were owned by the Bolívar family. Simón Bolívar leased the mines to an English company, and after his death his sisters sold the mines. They continued to be operated by English companies, using Cornish and local miners, until 1936. Today the mines are closed and partially flooded. Their remains are preserved by the Parque Bolivariano Minas de Aroa and may be visited by the public.