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We expose in this article some general considerations about mining mills in Mendoza (Argentina) in XVI, XVII and XVIII centuries. Traditional studies consider mining industry like a secondary activity. In this interpretation, cattle are considered principal activity. We propose to consider mining industry from artefactual perspective, it means, explain economic changes from mining mills. We are trying to give the first steps in studies of regional thinking about technical and economical history. We locate some of these old industries in historical maps of cities. It is important to consider that in Mendoza, indigenous population (huarpes millcayac) created very functional systems of "acequias", where hydraulic energy allows mills to function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]