Delfina Mine

The Delfina Mine is located in Hoya de Alda (Cabrales, Asturias), in the impressive landscape of the Picos de Europa. It was the most important copper mine in Asturias after the Aramo mines.

Its exploitation dates back to prehistoric times, with traces of the Copper Age and Romanization. In the 20th century, it was owned by several companies, notably Alda Copper Mines, which sold it in 1954 to La Sociedad Cobre Electrolítico y Metales de Gijón, which built a treatment plant in Ortiguero. Its exploitation ceased definitively in 1958.

The metal derrick remains, which was saved from being demolished by the opposition of neighbors and shepherds. The area of La Delfina is part of the germ of the oldest mining in northern Spain (Chalcolithic - Early Bronze Age) and its mining heritage is considered of great historical and archaeological value.