GOOD PRACTICES APPLIED IN LIGNITE MINING ACTIVITY Mine restorations compatible with the environment that modify the mining landscape of Val de Ariño (Teruel)

Abstract

The exploitation of lignite in the province of Teruel, has been an industrial activity of first magnitude and generator of wealth during an important period of our recent history. Thus, the so called Cuenca Oliete Norte, also known as Cuenca Andorra-Alloza-Ariño, is home to the Val de Ariño, a territory where the special characteristics of the subsoil and the terrestrial crust define a geology of special terrains that form a deposit of lignite of great proportions.
Today we observe an anthropic landscape, modified by the human activity, that has been modeled, structured, recovered, restored, where a frenzied extraction took place, plagued by subterranean and open-air mining activity. From here the coal has engraved its imprint on the landscape, as well as remains of the mines and the restorations carried out, drawings and polychromatic slopes. In the catalogue of elements or sites to be preserved selected by TICCIH-Spain, contained in the Annex V of the 2011 National Industrial Heritage Plan, the next reference is found: "The coal mines and the mining landscape of the Val de Ariño". That is a proof that the place is already considered to be of exceptional heritage value and of vital importance for the future of the area.