When Potash Generates Heritage. Two Opposing Models: Súria and Cardona (Barcelona)

Abstract

We examine the reasons why certain mining landscapes, despite being rejected for being sources of contamination and social conflicts, regain value. It focuses on two potash mining sites in the province of Barcelona: the Cardona Salt Mountain and the mining complex of Suria, which present considerable differences despite their proximity. The closure of the Cardona mine stimulated the creation of the Salt Mountain Cultural Park, a touristic and cultural initiative that aims to create new wealth through the valorisation of the mining and geological legacy. At the same time, in the nearby municipality of Suria, the multinational company Iberpotash continues exploiting a potash mine, causing serious pollution and public health risks. This contradiction constitutes the focus of this study. Starting from two potash landscapes, the purpose is to identify the conditioning factors for the rejection or valorisation of mining landscapes as cultural heritage.