Granada Mining: Alquife Iron, Alpujarra Cinnabar & Historic Mineral Sites
Dig into Granada's mining history, from Europe's largest open-cast iron mine in Alquife to the cinnabar mines of the Alpujarra. Explore the hidden mineral wealth of this Andalucian province.
By Nick Nutter |
Published: 2025-03-11 |
Updated: 2025-05-18
Visited 2,071 times
Granada's Hidden Mineral Wealth: Exploring the Historic Mines of the Hoya de Baza and Beyond
Gold in quartz matrix
While Granada province may not boast the extensive metalliferous zones of its neighbours, Almeria and Jaén, it has its own fascinating mining history. Situated between these mineral-rich regions, Granada possesses unique geological treasures, from Europe's largest open-cast iron mine to the historic cinnabar mines of the Alpujarra.
The Mining Landscape of Granada
Granada's mining sector, though smaller, attracted British companies in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While only nine were registered to work the mines themselves, others were active in supporting roles, building vital infrastructure like railways and ore loading docks.
The Hoya de Baza Basin: A Hub of Mineral Deposits
A significant portion of Granada is occupied by the expansive Hoya de Baza basin. It's within the peripheral regions of this depression that several metal deposits have been discovered.
The Mighty Alquife Iron Mine
Iron rich hematite
The Alquife haematite deposit, located on the plain south of Guadix, stands out as a particularly prolific source of iron ore. Notably, it currently holds the title of Europe's largest open-cast iron mine.
Built on Iron: The Alquife Story
The Alquife mine's vast scale and long history make it a symbol of Granada's industrial heritage. Its importance to the region's economy and its role in European iron production are undeniable.
Beyond the Basin: Gold and Cinnabar
Granada's mineral wealth extends beyond the Hoya de Baza basin. Historical records indicate gold was found in the Cerro del Sol, located within Granada city itself.
The Cinnabar Mines of Timar
In the Alpujarra region, on the southern slopes of the Sierra Nevada, cinnabar, the ore from which mercury is extracted, was mined at Timar.
The Alpujarra's Hidden Mercury The Timar cinnabar mines represent a unique aspect of Granada's mining history, highlighting the diversity of minerals found in the region.
A Rich Mining Heritage
Granada's mining history, though less extensive than its neighbouring provinces, is nonetheless rich and diverse. From the vast Alquife iron mine to the historic cinnabar mines of the Alpujarra, the province offers a glimpse into the industrial past of Andalucia. Exploring these sites provides a unique opportunity to connect with the region's mineral wealth and the stories of those who worked to extract it.
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My book, 'Mining in Andalucia: Emphasising the Involvement of British Companies during the 19th and 20th Centuries; is now available as a fully illustrated, colour, paperback from Amazon, as a downloadable ebook from Kindle and Free to Read on Kindle.
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