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Outings in Mazarron - Route No.15 |
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DIFFICULTY:- THIS VERY INTERESTING ROUTE CAN BE DANGEROUS DUE TO THE ABUNDANCE OF SHAFTS, POTHOLES AND STEEP SLOPES. HOWEVER IT IS NOT DIFFICULT |

1. This route should not be undertaken in rainy weather or just after heavy rainfall. The start is at Mazarron's Ayuntamiento (Town Hall); take C./ Lardines and Marín Baldo to leave the urban zone. After passing rainwater collection channels we arrive at the mining area.
2. The mining heritage of Mazarron is evidenced by many pitheads, galleries and ruined buildings. The mines had diverse names such as Usurpada (Usurped), San Carlos (Saint Charles) and San José (Saint Joseph).
3. Next to the new telephone mast the peak of San Cristobal looks black in colour due to deposits of iron and magnesium on the surface. In contrast the peak of Los Perules, which is also visible, looks a yellowish white. A fine view of Mazarron and the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed from here.
4. The ground has great chromatic diversity and there are more iron and wooden pitheads. The heyday of the mining industry was the end of 19th century but has it's origins back in Roman times.
5. In the central section are the ruins of the San Antonio group which was operated until the mid years of this century by the Minofer company.
6. The Mina Talía next to the Corta Romana were one of the most important and extensive exploitations in Cabezo de los Perules. Volcanic action formed alunite from which alum was extracted, and was of extreme economic importance.
7. Passing numerous shafts and chimneys, we return to the San Antonio group and then descend towards Mazarron on a path surrounded by eucalyptus. The path ends at the Mazarron to Murcia road and this is the point where minerals were transported by rail to Puerto de Mazarron for processing at Fundación de Santa Elisa at the foot of Cabezo del Faro.
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