How did the silver strike of the 1570s contribute to the growth of Tegucigalpa?

The silver strike of the 1570s in the Honduran highlands was a pivotal event that spurred the growth of Tegucigalpa into an important population center.12

By attracting a rush of prospectors to the region, the discovery transformed the area from a minor site into a significant mining hub. This influx of people and economic activity allowed Tegucigalpa to emerge as a major competitor to Comayagua, which had previously served as the primary administrative center for the province. This rivalry persisted for centuries, eventually leading to Tegucigalpa being named the permanent capital of the republic in 1880.123