Mining in Andalucia

Granada Mining: Alquife Iron, Alpujarra Cinnabar & Historic Mineral Sites

By Nick Nutter | Published: 2025-03-11 | Updated: 2025-05-18

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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.

Granada's Hidden Mineral Wealth: Exploring the Historic Mines of the Hoya de Baza and Beyond

Granada Mining: Alquife Iron, Alpujarra Cinnabar & Historic Mineral Sites - Gold in quartz matrix — 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

Granada Mining: Alquife Iron, Alpujarra Cinnabar & Historic Mineral Sites - Iron rich hematite — 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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