Sierra Menera
Sierra Menera
Sierra Menera is a notable mountain range situated in the southwestern part of the Iberian System in Spain, extending approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) in length. This range is part of the Province of Teruel and is well-known for its historical mining activities, particularly for iron extraction.
Geography
The Sierra Menera is positioned amidst other significant mountain ranges such as the Sierra de la Virgen, Sierra de Santa Cruz, Sierra de Cucalón, Sierra de San Just, Sierra Carrascosa, Sierra Palomera, and Sierra de Javalambre. It forms part of the larger mountainous Iberian System which traverses much of eastern Spain.
The mountain range is located near the Laguna de Gallocanta, one of the largest natural lakes in Spain, and is bordered by other mountain ranges such as the Sierra de Pardos and Sierra del Caldereros.
Mining History
Sierra Menera's rich deposits of iron ore have made it a significant mining site historically. The Compañía Minera de Sierra Menera was founded on September 3, 1900, by several Basque businessmen to exploit these resources. The mining operations significantly impacted the landscape, leaving it scarred by open-pit mining.
The extracted iron was crucial for the industrial activities in the region and beyond. For instance, it supplied iron to Altos Hornos del Mediterráneo, a major industrial complex during the 1950s.
Transportation Infrastructure
The Vía Verde de Ojos Negros is a notable transportation route associated with the mining activities of Sierra Menera. It was used to transport iron ore from the mines to other industrial locations. The path is now a popular greenway used for recreational activities.
Nearby Towns
The town of Ojos Negros, Teruel lies close to the Sierra Menera range. It has a population of around 531 inhabitants and is notably tied to mining, reflecting the area's historical reliance on the mineral wealth of the Sierra Menera.