The Mines of Mazarron

There is evidence of mining here as far back as the 3^rd century BC, but the first identifiable mine is Roman. Here we are hovering above the entrance to the Roman mine, trying to imagine the awful working conditions of gruelling manual work in the baking summer heat.  

The mines worked until 1966, so most of the remains are of much more recent times. This is the dirt road leading into the mining complex with some picturesque spoil heaps. 

Peak production was during the period 1860 to 1940, so most of the dilapidated buildings and machinery date from that era. At this time around 2,000 people were employed. An idea of the scale can be gauged from the number and size of the decaying structures.

The main deposit was lead-zinc-silver ore, and it was the declining price of these metals and the deteriorating condition of the mine workings that caused mining to cease. The winding gear is still in place, be it falling apart and in no way usable.

Many parts are quite dangerous although some token safety barriers have been erected. These you could easily hop over or duck under, like this mine shaft where I could photograph right down to the water level several hundred metres below. I was expecting to see it full of mother-in-laws.

Our group photo is even poised on the edge of a steep open pit. You get used to these hazards after a while.

There are some strange structures like this tunnel running up a hill. We ask, why do you need a tunnel above ground when surely they’re all underground? Jan, our walk leader, had the answer: for ventilation.

There was a chimney at the top of the hill connected to the tunnel in which a fire was lit, drawing air up the tunnel. The tunnel was connected to the mine workings underground drawing stale air out of the mine and pulling fresh air in from a vent open elsewhere.

Elsewhere, there are some surreal colours in the pools where the minerals have mixed with water, like this one.

It’s quite sad to see it in a tumbledown, abandonned state but the advantage is that there is unrestricted access. The worst hazards are partially protected but it is up to the individual to watch out for their own safety. So take care, but it’s fun exploring in a potentially risky but authentic environment. We’ve maybe lost something in being too health and safety cautious in the UK.