steam locomotive - rusty

Rusted steam engine - Santa Rosalia (Baja California, Mexico)

In 1885 the french mining company "la Compagnie du Boleo" obtained the rights to the copper mining concession of Santa Rosalia from the Mexican government for 99 years.­

In 1954 the mines were closed until the Mexican Federal government took over.­ At the end of the concession the mining operation ceased completely and the mines and large steam-powered smelter plant were abandoned.­ This narrow-gauge steam engine is rusting near the smelter that you can see in the background, on the left.­

I recommend visiting the immense smelter (abandoned and open access at your own risks), and if you are a bit more adventurous, the old mine tunnels in the hill.­