TRIBUTERS
Noun
tributers
plural of tributer
Source: Wiktionary
TRIBUTER
Trib"u*ter, n. (Mining)
Definition: One who works for a certain portion of the ore, or its value.
[Eng.]
Note: Tributers generally work in gangs, and have a limited portion
of a lode set them, called a tribute pitch, beyond which they are not
permitted to work, and for which they receive a certain portion of
the ore, or so much per pound, as agreed upon, of the value of what
they raise. Weale.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition