Granadilla Mine: Jable Extraction Endangers Heritage, Geological Site

The Los Cármenes mine in Granadilla de Abona is important for its natural environment because 45 historical sites are being damaged by digging up 'jable' (a type of sand). Antonio Cabrera, who speaks for groups against digging up this material, adds that these sites are also very significant for their cultural history and archaeology.

The Geological and Mining Institute of Spain (IGME) has also declared the quarry a 'Site of Geological Interest' (LIG). This is because its rocks show rich evidence of explosive volcanic activity. However, Cabrera regrets that being an LIG doesn't automatically mean it gets the protection it needs. The IGME states that the Granadilla de Abona eruption was one of the largest ever in Tenerife. Some experts even believe it helped form the famous Caldera de Cañadas.

Cabrera also highlights 'jable's' excellent qualities for growing potatoes, especially how it interacts with water. He explains, "It holds water and moisture very well, so the plants only take what they need. This resource saves water and improves the quality of the potatoes, giving them a dry matter content that potatoes grown in other soils don't have."

On October 2nd, ten groups from southern Tenerife met. Their goal was to agree on shared messages and stop the digging up of 'jable'. These groups include neighborhood associations like 'Vechisur' (Chimiche) and 'Secundino Delgado' (Charco del Pino), along with Defensabona, Patrimonio Sur, Imastanen, Samara (Adeje), Acomete (an association of groups from Tenerife's midlands), the 'Friends of Tosca and Jable' association, and Tagoror Permanente. Also involved, in a personal capacity, is Víctor Onésimo, who coordinates the Geography department at the University of La Laguna. All these individuals and groups are against restarting operations at the Los Cármenes quarry.