Mining thumb|Cerro Rico, Potosi, Bolivia, still a major silver mine thumb|upright|Amethyst mine in Ametista do Sul. South America is a major producer of gems such as amethyst, topaz, emerald, aquamarine and tourmaline. thumb|Chuquicamata is the largest open pit mine in the world, near the city of Calama in Chile.
mining thumb|cerro rico potosi bolivia still a major silver mine thumb|upright|amethyst mine in ametista do sul south america is a major producer of gems such as amethyst topaz emerald aquamarine and tourmaline thumb|chuquicamata is the largest open pit mine in the world near the city of calama in chile