Who typically faced public disdain in the mining communities for not achieving success?

In mining communities, unsuccessful prospectors often faced public disdain primarily because their success was closely tied to the fortunes of the entire community. These communities thrived on the prospect of finding valuable resources, and when individuals failed in their attempts to strike it rich, it was viewed as a personal failure that reflected poorly not only on themselves but also on the community's prospects. The culture in these regions typically celebrated success in mining endeavors, which led to a strong social stigma against those who did not achieve their goals. Thus, unsuccessful prospectors became symbols of unfulfilled promises, drawing criticism and disdain from their peers who were invested in the collective hope for prosperity.

In contrast, local officials, wealthy businessmen, and mining workers generally did not face the same level of scorn for lack of success, as their roles and contributions to the community were viewed differently. Officials and businessmen were often seen as playing significant roles in the economic landscape, while mining workers, despite the challenges they faced, were usually measured by their efforts and labor rather than direct financial success.