São Domingos Mine and Former Industrial Complex

Category: Civil Architecture > Mine

District: Beja > Mértola > Mina de São Domingos > Antigo Complexo Industrial

Location

The São Domingos Mine, located in the municipality of Mértola, in the heart of the Lower Alentejo, is a place where the landscape and urban environment tell the story of intense mining activity. Its relatively isolated position made it a stage for remarkable transformation in the territory, with the construction of an industrial complex that shaped the very geography and life of the community. The site is now a vast open-air museum, where the remnants of mining exploration are integrated into the natural surroundings.

The History of Mining Exploration

The history of the São Domingos Mine dates back to the mid-19th century, with the start of ore exploration in 1854. For approximately a century, the mine was managed by the Mason and Barry company, which transformed it into one of Europe's most important ore extraction centers, an integral part of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Minerals such as copper, zinc, and lead were extracted here, and significant quantities of sulfur were produced. Mining ceased in 1968, leaving a profound legacy on the landscape and in local memory.

The Development of the Industrial Complex

The growth of the São Domingos Mine was driven by the need to transport its production, leading to the construction of pioneering infrastructure. Notably, a private 17-kilometer railway line connected the mine to the Pomarão river dock, allowing for the export of millions of tons of materials. The village was one of the first in Portugal to have electricity and prospered with the creation of various social and cultural amenities, such as a hospital, a theater, a music band, and associations. This expansion even led to the decision to demolish and rebuild a large part of the village in 1868, to make way for an open-pit mine, known as the "Corta".

Traces and Marks on the Landscape

At the Former Industrial Complex of São Domingos Mine, it is possible to observe the marks left by this vast operation. The Mina Pit (Corta) itself, a gigantic depression reaching 122 meters in depth, is now an acidic water lagoon that visually stands out in the landscape. The route of the old railway and the ruins of former workshops, warehouses, and the power station remain. The Ore Quay and the Malacate (water pumping structure) are other visible elements of the technical complexity involved. In the village, the English Quarter and the English Cemetery attest to the foreign presence, while the recovered Miner's House offers a perspective of the workers' lives. The Cine Theater, a historic building, is a testament to the social and cultural life of the mining community. The Serrão Martins Foundation oversees the preservation and valorization of this vast heritage.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt