DE ZONA CONTAMINADA A ZONA RECREATIVA. REHABILITACIÓN AMBIENTAL DE UN DEPÓSITO MINERO CONTAMINADO

Abstract

This study is part of the already finished LIFE+ project MIPOLARE ENV/ES/000439. The main objective of this project was the environmental remediation of contaminated mining ponds, in the Sierra de Cartagena-La Union,. The environmental thematic itinerary defined in Santa Antonieta mining pond (1 ha extension) is presented in this work. The rehabilitation was carried out by using amendments, which allowed the chemical and structural stability of the pond surface and promoted the growth of native vegetation in acidic soils contaminated by metals. For the thematic itinerary a net of concrete trails and a landscape design was developed. Didactic plots containing different types of restored and unrestored soils were placed in the central trail, also interpretive panels to explain the rehabilitation activities, the history and heritage of the mining district, the risks associated with mining operations, and the main characteristics of the ecosystem, etc. were placed along the trails. The environmental itineraries include 3 viewpoints, from where you can see an extraordinary view of the mining area, and the difference between reclaimed and contaminated areas. This itinerary was defined for recreational and educational purposes, and it have already been visited by numerous schools and associations.