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The concept of “Mankind Heritage” is universal and abstract. It really exists only in specific social and historical contexts. These contexts give birth to conflicts dividing the population on the size and scope of what must be protected. As a witness of colonial history, the Potosi mine became “Mankind Heritage” in 1987. A sector of the population takes advantage of this prestigious title to refuse a large-scale exploitation of the site, without paying attention to economic and political issues. This example shows tensions and obstacles between local private interests and the universal and public characters of a patrimonial heritage.