LIFE TECMINE receives the Forest Planning and Management Service of the Regional Ministry of the Environment, Water, Infrastructures and Territory and a representation of the Natural Parks of the Comunitat Valenciana - LIFE Tecmine

The Forest Development and Management Service of the Directorate General for the Natural and Animal Environment, together with a representation of the Natural Parks of the Valencia Region, visited the LIFE TECMINE project at the Fortuna Mine located in Ademuz.

The EU-funded LIFE TECMINE project, which has just entered the final year of the AFTER LIFE period, has become, with its innovative approach, a benchmark in the environmental rehabilitation of areas affected by mining activity, transforming a former mine into revitalised and ecologically diverse natural spaces.

The Fortuna Mine, once an emblem of mining activity in the Rincón de Ademuz region, now stands as a symbol of ecological restoration thanks to the joint efforts of various project partners: GVA, SIBELCO, CEAM, UCM and VAERSA, all under the common thrust of the LIFE TECMINE Project.

During the visit, the participants had the opportunity to tour the Fortuna Mine and learn about the different techniques implemented in the framework of the project, as well as to check the good condition after the environmental restoration. A representative of the LIFE TECMINE team presented the methodology followed in the project, such as revegetation techniques, water management and recreation of natural reliefs with the application of the GeoFluv^TM method, the formation of fertile soil and, in short, the recovery of the natural ecosystem of the area. One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to observe up close the flora and fauna that has begun to repopulate the area. Species that were once absent are gradually returning, showing the natural resilience of the ecosystem when given the opportunity to recover.

The commitment of the LIFE TECMINE Project goes beyond environmental restoration; it also focuses on the importance of environmental awareness and education.

In this regard, during the visit, the travelling photographic exhibition ‘New Landscape of the Fortuna Mine’ was recalled, which is touring various Natural Parks in the Valencia Region. This exhibition not only highlights the achievements of the project, but also invites the public to reflect on the importance of environmental conservation and the crucial role we play as guardians of the environment.

On a day marked by celebrations, the last edition of the LIFE 2023 Awards granted by the European Union was commemorated, where the LIFE TECMINE project won the LIFE 2023 Citizen Award and was a finalist in the Environment category.

In conclusion, the visit to the LIFE TECMINE Project at the Fortuna de Ademuz Mine was an eloquent reminder of the power of collaboration, dedication and collective efforts in environmental restoration.