Mines state (until 1955)

Editor's note 5Aug13: Source D332-4.2.1

Assessment of the components of the three capitals

The most intensive mining activity dates back to the mid /end of the 19th century and is controlled by British- and French-owned companies. In terms of social and economic capital it can be argued that this is the best ever period for the Baixo Guadiana: population is steadily rising, schools, education, infrastructure, housing, hospitals, and jobs are available and of good quality. Environmental capital is diminishing while working conditions are often of low standards. Nevertheless hospitals and doctors are present. During the 1940s the area is highly resilient.

Critical functions

In addition to the main economic activity, the 19th and early 20th century sees a huge increase in social capital and other infrastructure, often funded by the mining companies themselves (houses and urbanizations, hospitals and other healthcare, sports clubs, schools, roads and railways). The mines result in a great increase in demographics and economy, increasing the social and economic capital.

Economic capital is the main force influencing social capital. In contrast, natural capital is declining, due to mining activities and massive deforestation to supply energy for both mining activities and the growing population. The drivers of change are related to mining companies. The mining state would not be so influential if it were not for the trade it provides, from which many people create their livelihoods.

Critical variables

The term "mining mentality" is prevalent in local discourse and denotes people's expectation that a (foreign) big company, will come and arrange everything. As mentioned before, the mining activities extend to healthcare, sports, infrastructure and education which are all arranged for. The mining mentality is often "blamed" for lack of local entrepreneurship.

Main LEDD problems and responses

The mining state causes and depends upon massive deforestation. A series of feedbacks causes widespread degradation and pollution: firewood and charcoal are necessary for mining activities but also to sustain the growing population of the area (houses, infrastructure, heating, cooking). Mining activities are accompanied by contamination: core soil samples show heavy metal contamination to peak during this period.

About one third of the population in the Spanish Baixo Guadiana area come from Portugal due to famines there at this time. The Portuguese come to work in Western Andévalo and Baixo Guadiana in the mines or agriculture. Many of the children continue to live in the area for the rest of their lives.

Policy context

AK: to check that implementation, impacts and effectiveness of selected policies are discussed in this text. Look at D342 to see if there is any additional information.

The mines dominate and help the region go through the turmoil years of the 1930s and 40s. However, in the 1950s most foreign companies leave, not due to an exhaustion of ores, but in response to new environmental and labour obligations and perceived higher costs. Spanish mines are nationalized in 1954 but the activity declines rapidly due to global competition.

Properties of the system

AK: to check if there is any further relevant information in D333

Socio-ecological resilience

AK: to be added, source: D333

Socio-ecological fit of the dominant response to LEDD

AK: to be added, source: D333

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