Tenerife Residents Protest Reactivation of Quarry Near School and Homes
Residents of the Tenerife village of Chimiche are protesting the reactivation of a nearby sand quarry, citing concerns over air quality and the health impact of volcanic dust on local homes and a primary school.
Tensions in the Tenerife village of Chimiche, located in Granadilla de Abona, have reached a breaking point. Residents are raising the alarm over the reactivation of the Las Cármenes sand quarry, which has resumed operations under an administrative extension. The community is deeply concerned about dust and particles blowing into nearby homes and the CEIP Virgen del Pilar school, which sits just 50 meters from the site.
The conflict stems from a mining concession originally granted in 1971. While the Canary Islands government maintains that the operation is legal—citing an extension formalized in 2019—locals argue that the original environmental and health impact studies are outdated. Neighborhood groups, including the Vechisur association and the school’s parent-teacher association (AMPA), report that the fine volcanic dust being kicked up is causing a rise in respiratory issues among both children and adults.
The situation has highlighted a breakdown in coordination between local and regional authorities. The Granadilla de Abona City Council has stepped in to mediate, formally requesting that the regional government’s public health department conduct a thorough assessment of air quality and health risks. Although the quarry operator has taken some steps to mitigate the dust, such as watering down the site, residents say these measures are not enough and are calling for a suspension of work until the area is proven safe.
This case reflects a broader issue across the Canary Islands: old mining permits being reactivated in areas that have since become populated, creating a clash between outdated legal rights and modern living conditions. With the regional government’s industry department yet to provide clear answers regarding safety, residents have organized a protest for September 5 in San Isidro. They are demanding that authorities prioritize public health over an operation that had been dormant for 31 years before disrupting their community once again.