Granadilla de Abona Council Demands Immediate Suspension of Los Cármenes Mining Operations

Pressure is mounting on the Los Cármenes mining operation in Chimiche following an emergency meeting of the Granadilla de Abona City Council this Thursday. The council voted unanimously to demand that the regional government immediately suspend extraction work and conduct air quality tests in the area. This move shifts the responsibility to regional authorities, who oversee mining operations, as local protests continue to grow.

The conflict has escalated throughout 2026, driven by residents’ concerns over dust particles affecting nearby homes and the Virgen del Pilar school. The Vechisur Neighborhood Association is leading the opposition and has organized a protest for this Saturday in San Isidro to demand a total shutdown. The issue is particularly sensitive, as several local councilors live in the area directly impacted by the dust.

The quarry has operated intermittently since 1971. After a period of inactivity, the project underwent various environmental and land-use reviews between 2007 and 2009 under the company Cement Investment, S.L. Its legal status was solidified by a 2019 General Directorate of Industry resolution, which authorized an expansion covering 43 hectares, though this was not officially published until 2023.

In addition to air quality, critics argue that the mining work threatens local historical and archaeological sites. Despite the council’s unanimous vote, Mayor José Domingo Regalado has expressed skepticism about how quickly the decision can be enforced, noting the legal complexities of overturning an active government concession. The Canary Islands government must now decide whether to prioritize the continuation of the mining operation or address the public health and environmental concerns raised by the people of Granadilla.