Spain has the largest gold reserve in Europe but there is fear...

Spain has the largest gold reserve in Europe but there is fear of touching it even if it makes us rich

• TODAY ARAGON
• December 8, 2023
• 06:00

The fight between economic boost and environmental preservation has triggered a confrontation between neighbors

In the quiet town of Tapia de Casariego, Asturias , there is the largest gold reserve in Europe, estimated at more than 30 tons under the Salave lagoons . This deposit would represent a significant 10% of the total gold reserves guarded by the Bank of Spain .

Despite several attempts, no project to extract this valuable resource has prospered. However, the company Exploraciones Mineras del Cantábrico (EMC) has submitted a request to exploit the deposit, ensuring minimal environmental impact and non-invasive drilling, although they recognize the possibility of difficult initial months.

The local community is divided over this proposal. The ' Oro No ' association , founded almost two decades ago, leads the opposition, arguing that the lives of the inhabitants, supported by livestock, fishing and tourism , would be threatened by heavy metals and the impact on the landscape.

«People live from livestock, fishing and the tourism sector . With the exploitation of the mine, the heavy metals from it would affect all these sectors. Not to mention the landscape impact that it would produce , which would reduce tourism by creating a negative perception of the area," a representative of the association told Infobae.

In contrast, the Idoa association advocates mining exploitation, considering it crucial for local business development. "It is essential to generate industry to retain the young population and prevent their labor migration ," says Mada Gómez, president of Idoa.

The struggle between economic momentum and environmental preservation has triggered a confrontation between neighbors, leaving Tapia de Casariego at a crossroads that defines its future between underground wealth and local sustainability.

Furthermore, in this council there is also one of the best beaches for surfing, which has hosted the World Championship: Anguileiro beach . In addition, its promenade and the Os Cañois viewpoint allow you to appreciate the impressive Asturian coast.

https://hoyaragon.es/noticias-espana/espana-tiene-la-mayor-reserva-de-oro-de-europa/