This is the last thing North West Murcia needs, according to environmentalists opposed to the re-opening of the Gilico Mineral Mine.
The mine, derelict and largely re-possessed by nature, lies close to Calasparra on the border with Cehegin.
A Canadian company has plans to exploit the mine on a grand scale, which will mean the loss of the lake and the wildlife in and around it and major contamination for rivers and underground water reserves, claim those opposed to the plans.
During the “investigation phase” the Spanish company, Magnetitas de Cehegín SL, subsidiary of a Canadian company, plans to carry out 21 “soundings” in the area in order to expand the old extractions of the mine face.
The lake, result of the River Quipar breaking its banks in the 70´s and 80´s and flooding the open mine, will be the first victim of the planned exploitation.
Another of the main concerns is the resulting contamination of the river Quipar and the underground freshwater reservoir “Bajo Quipar”, if the exploitation of iron mineral is resumed. This underground reservoir is already one of the most contaminated in the Segura Basin and the river Quipar has shown to have high levels of nitrates and low water levels.
The planned excavation of 600,000 tons annually of “magnetite” will generate thousands (at least) tons of sterile mud full of heavy metals, claim environmentalists, with no reassurances from the company about the environmental impact of these vast quantities of infertile waste.
The association, the Defence of the North West, has denounced the renewed exploitation of the mine to the Mayor of Cehegin and will hold a public information meeting with environmental and mining specialists in Cehegin tonight.
Editors Note
The Gilico Mine is accessed via a footpath running from the Mula Road just outside Calasparra. It is accessible by foot and by cycle, and by four wheel drive vehicles in good weather.
It is a fascinating site, with all the mine´s buildings in full view, the magnificent lake with its wildlife and the river Quipar with its waters tinted golden brown as a result of the iron mineral.
Highly recommended for a visit before mining begins and the whole area becomes out of bounds.
