Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic system that aimed to increase a nation's wealth through exports while limiting imports. Spanish silver mining operations were part of Spain's mercantilist policies aimed at accumulating precious metals.
Encomienda System: The encomienda system was a labor system established by the Spanish in the Americas, whereby indigenous people were forced to work in mines and plantations, including those involved in silver mining operations.
Colonialism: Colonialism refers to the practice of establishing colonies by one country over another territory. Spanish silver mining operations were part of Spain's colonial efforts to exploit the resources of the Americas.