French capital, the El Boleo Company and the international copper markets (1885-1954)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the industrial and commercial process of the El Boleo Company, a mining company of French origin established in the desert of Baja California, Mexico, that operated in the form of the typical Latin American enclave. The analysis describes the morphological transformations of the company and the development of its international relations, notably with Europe and the United States of America, from the founding of the company in 1885 until its closure in 1954. In the course of such a long period the Compagnie du Boleo experienced growth, setbacks and adjustments that this paper aims to clarify supported by the treatment of primary sources of French origin and a select bibliography.