Hammam-Zriba Mine

The Hammam-Zriba Mine is nestled in Zriba-Village, Zaghouan, Tunisia, approximately 60 km south of Tunis, the capital. It's near the Djebel Zaghouan mountain, the fourth-highest summit in Tunisia, and is accessible from nearby settlements like Zaghouan (9 km), El Fahs (27.4 km), Hammamet (36.9 km), La Mohammedia (37.2 km), and Bou Arkoub (37.5 km). This location in northeastern Tunisia offers a blend of accessibility and scenic mountain views, perfect for enthusiasts looking to explore.

The mine is renowned for its diverse mineral output, including fluorite, celestine (often pale blue, white, or colorless with unique habits), baryte, calcite, galena, smithsonite (yellow/brown/chocolate with weak yellow fluorescence), sphalerite, and others like aragonite and pyrite. Notably, research suggests many specimens labeled as baryte since 1998 are actually celestine, as confirmed by scientific analyses, adding an intriguing layer to its mineralogy.

Geologically, the mine features Cenozoic fluorite mineralization, formed through hydrothermal activity under temperatures of 115°C to 130°C. The process involved hydrothermal solutions rising from underlying Triassic series along horsts and grabens, situated on the African Plate. This complex formation process highlights the dynamic geological history of the region.

The Hammam-Zriba Mine operates as a fluorspar-barite-Pb-Zn mine, owned by Soc. Minière de Spath Fluor et de Barytine, and is sometimes called the Hammam Zriba fluorite mine. While specific start and end dates are not detailed, the presence of ancient mine debris suggests long-standing extraction, leaving a visible impact on the landscape.

The area around the mine is steeped in culture, featuring hammams (thermal baths) that give the town its name, with the tomb of Saint Sidi Zekri behind the main hammam. An annual festival in July celebrates local heritage with various activities. Nearby, the abandoned Berber village Zriba Olia, over 1,000 years old and deserted since 1960, offers ruins including a mosque, with about 10 residents as of 2012. Additional cultural sites include Sidi Kahlifa (ruined Roman site), Uthina (Roman site near Udna), the Water Temple in Zaghouan, and an aqueduct towards Tunis, enriching the historical tapestry.

Tunisia's Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, shapes the region. The proximity to mountains may bring cooler temperatures and more precipitation. Ecologically, the area supports Cyclamen persicum, a plant with white or pale pink flowers, used in homeopathy and traditional medicine for its antiseptic properties, reflecting the harmony between climate and biodiversity.