Exploring Menorca’s mines

All the ancient mines on Menorca are on private land and most landowners are unhappy to allow visitors but in this case we were met by the landowner Javier Sintas and his daughter Bea with whom we already have a close friendship.

Andrés and Bryce firstly gave a short general overview of the type of mining carried out from prehistoric times up until the end of the 19th century and of the minerals and precious metals that could and can still be found, although now in very small quantities.

Then it was a scramble over the remains of waste heaps, now covered with undergrowth, to one of the numerous small entrances to this mine. We were looking all the while for interesting stones with minerals from the heaps recently exposed and washed by the heavy rains of the past weeks.

In groups of four we were accompanied into the workings by Andrés and shown the various minerals in the rock; copper and lead being the most prolific, but traces of silver and tin could also be seen.

The morning finished with Javier offering a "ginet" to everyone from a very old bottle of Beltran "Lord Nelson" Gin, a typical local custom of the hunters and miners of the past.

It is amazing that every reader will have driven past within a hundred metres of this mine hundreds of times without knowing of its existence and many others, of course, but we are not about to divulge all of Menorca Britannia's secrets.

Forthcoming events

Our next event is on Saturday 19th February when we are visiting Subaida for a guided tour of this cheese farm with tasting of the wine, cheese and the local charcouterie. This is followed by a visit to the Sanctuary of Monte Toro where Father Francisco, assisted by Bryce, will give a tour of the chapel and parts of the Sanctuary and hostel not normally open to the public. We will also meet Mother Superior Francisca. This is followed by Menu of the Day at the restaurant Sa Posada del Toro. This guided coach excursion has some limited places for members' friends and interested residents. Details can be found on our Web Site or by telephoning Sheila on 971 366206.

Our redesigned and more comprehensive Web Site will be launched very shortly. Stephen Crampton has completely redesigned and modernised it. With sections including our Aims and Objectives, our Programme of Coming Events, Historic Articles written and published by us, British Legacies, information on many of our Past Achievements and a large gallery of photographs. We hope that everyone will find it interesting and informative. Keep logging on and keep up with its development on www.menorcabritannia.org.