Did the Spanish pay native Americans to work in their mines?

Yes, the Spanish did pay Native Americans to work in their mines, particularly during the colonial period in the Americas. However, this practice often coexisted with forced labor systems, such as the encomienda and mita, which exploited Indigenous peoples under harsh conditions. While some Native Americans received wages, many were subjected to coercive labor practices and faced severe consequences for not complying. Overall, the treatment of Indigenous workers in Spanish mines was complex and varied widely depending on the region and specific circumstances.