La minería del manganeso en la provincia de Huelva

Abstract

The Iberian Pyrite Belt constitutes an approximate band of 200 km long and 40 km wide that extends from theAtlantic, south of Lisbon, to the vicinity of Seville. Within this geological zone are the largest deposits of manganesein Spain, the most significant being located in the province of Huelva, placing it in this way in the largest producerof this mineral nationwide.The most important manganese mineralization in the province of Huelva corresponds to La Joya or Grupo Soloviejo.The exploitation of this mine has been continuous from 1866 to 1983, producing its definitive closure in 1992, thusbecoming the last open manganese mine in the province of Huelva.Always in the shadow of the great mining of copper, manganese mining was from the economic point of view agreat boost for the province. Virtually all the extracted mineral was exported, thus making the port of Huelva, themost important port nationwide in export of manganese ore.