Troya Mine

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Mutiloa, Guipúzcoa (Gipuzkoa), Basque Country, Spain

Mina Troya, Mutiloa, Guipúzcoa (Gipuzkoa), Pais Vasco, España

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Key Information

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  • The Troya Mine is located in Mutiloa, Guipúzcoa, Basque Country, Spain, a small town known for its scenic beauty and traditional architecture.

  • It produced lead and zinc ores, notably galena and sphalerite, with honey-colored, transparent sphalerite crystals being particularly prized by collectors.

  • The mine, discovered in 1973 and operated from 1986 to 1993, is now flooded and closed, with ongoing restoration efforts to rehabilitate the site.

  • The geological structure is a Mississippi valley type (MVT) deposit in karstic limestone from the upper Cretaceous period, formed by hydrothermal fluids.

  • Mutiloa has a rich local culture, including a festival on September 8th linked to the hermitage of Lierni, and a temperate climate with significant rainfall.

  • Research suggests the mine's operations may have impacted local ecology, but restoration projects aim to mitigate these effects, ensuring environmental safety.

Location and Overview

The Troya Mine is situated in Mutiloa, a quaint town in the province of Guipúzcoa, part of the Basque Country in northern Spain. Mutiloa lies on the slope of the Aizkorri massif, offering stunning views and a serene environment, ideal for mineral enthusiasts exploring the region.

Minerals and Geological Interest

The mine is famous for its lead and zinc ores, with galena and sphalerite being the primary minerals. Sphalerite from Troya is especially notable for its honey-colored, transparent crystals, highly sought after by collectors. Other minerals include baryte, calcite, dolomite, siderite, chalcopyrite, aurichalcite, and tetrahedrite subgroup, adding to its appeal. The geological setting is a Mississippi valley type (MVT) deposit, formed in karstic limestone from the upper Cretaceous period through the precipitation of metals from hydrothermal fluids.

Mining History and Current Status

Discovered in 1973, the mine was operated from 1986 to 1993 by Exminesa, a Swedish company, using underground galleries and pillars for extraction. It is now flooded and closed, but restoration efforts are underway to rehabilitate the site and ensure environmental safety, reflecting a commitment to preserving the area's natural beauty.

Cultural and Environmental Context

Mutiloa's local culture is vibrant, with a festival on September 8th linked to the hermitage of Lierni, where the virgin of Lierni, patron saint of fertility, is venerated. The town's name, possibly derived from "mutil-ola" meaning "the cabin of the boy" in Euskera, adds cultural depth. The climate is temperate with significant rainfall, typical of northern Spain, and the region boasts diverse flora and fauna. While the mine's operations may have impacted local ecology, restoration projects aim to mitigate these effects.