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Spain's Toxic Mine Transforms Into Turquoise Lake
28 Sep
Summary
- A former coal mine in Spain is now a recreational lake.
- The lake is a successful example of mine rehabilitation.
- This transformation promotes tourism and well-being.
In Galicia, northwestern Spain, the former Lake As Pontes, once a massive coal mine, has been reborn as a vibrant turquoise lake. This transformation is a testament to successful mine rehabilitation, turning a deep pit into an 865-hectare recreational area with sandy beaches and diverse ecosystems.
The mining operations, which began in the 1940s and were significantly expanded by Endesa in 1972, ceased in December 2007 due to stricter European Union emission regulations. Following the closure, Endesa opted to flood the pit in 2008, initiating a comprehensive restoration process.
This rehabilitation involved meticulous planning, including reshaping hillsides and managing water resources. The effort has successfully created four distinct ecosystems—meadow, scrub, wood, and wetlands—alongside the lake, which now supports local wildlife like deer.
Awarded a Blue Flag in 2022, Lake As Pontes has become a significant inland water body in Galicia and a hub for tourism. The shift from an industrial identity to a tourism-driven one demonstrates the potential of former industrial sites to become places for recreation and relaxation.
