Mining in Andalucia

Málaga's Mining Secret: The Story of the Successful Marbella Iron Ore Company and the Magnetite of Ojen

Take a look at Malaga's mining history, focusing on the successful Marbella Iron Ore Company and the rich magnetite deposits near Ojen. Explore the Baetic mountains' mineral wealth.

By Nick Nutter on 2025-03-12 | Last Updated 2025-05-18 | Mining in Andalucia

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El Cable Telerifico: End of the aerial cable at Marbella

Málaga Mining: Marbella Iron Ore, Ojen Magnetite & Andalusian Mining History (H3)

While hundreds of British mining companies flocked to Andalucia in the late 19th century, Málaga province saw relatively few. Yet, one stood out as a beacon of success: the Marbella Iron Ore Company Limited. In my book 'Mining in Andalucia', we explore the unique story of this company and the rich magnetite deposits that fuelled its prosperity.

The Mining Landscape of Málaga

Of the 600+ British mining companies registered in Spain, about 200 were in Andalucia, with twelve in Málaga. However, only the Marbella Iron Ore Company truly thrived.

The Baetic Mountains and Mineral Wealth
The Baetic system of mountains, stretching from western Andalucia to Murcia, is renowned for its metallic mineral ores. Separated from the Meseta Central and Sierra Morena by the Guadalquivir Valley, these mountains were formed by plate tectonics millions of years ago.

The Magnetite of Ojen
A few kilometers north of Marbella, in Ojen, at the southernmost foothills of the Baetic system, lies a rich source of magnetite, iron oxide or lodestone.

The Unique Properties of Magnetite
Unlike hematite, the more common iron ore, magnetite is generally more difficult to process and has a lower iron concentration. However, when found in large quantities, like in Ojen, its abundance can offset these challenges.

The Success of the Marbella Iron Ore Company

Iron ore - magnetite

The Marbella Iron Ore Company capitalized on the substantial magnetite deposits at Ojen. While not on the scale of Kediet ej Jill in Mauritania, the Ojen deposits were considerable, providing a strong foundation for the company's success.

Geological Significance
The vagaries of geology placed rich sources of magnetite in Ojen, allowing the company to extract and process this valuable ore.

Industrial Impact
The Marbella Iron Ore Company's success highlights the potential of Málaga's mineral resources and the impact of British industrial enterprise in the region during the 19th century.

A Legacy of Mining in Málaga

The story of the Marbella Iron Ore Company and the magnetite of Ojen offers a fascinating glimpse into Málaga's mining history. Despite the limited number of successful ventures, the region's mineral wealth played a significant role in its industrial development.

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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.