Environmentalists want the La Montosa Quarry, in the Sierras de Tejeda-Almijara Natural Park, to be returned to its natural state to prevent further damage to the environment.

CAMPAIGNERS fighting the possible expansion of a quarry in a natural park have called for it to be closed down.
Environmentalists want the La Montosa Quarry, in the Sierras de Tejeda-Almijara Natural Park, to be returned to its natural state to prevent further damage to the environment.
The Ecologistas en Accion Group (GENA) have submitted an official complaint about the expansion to the environment department in Granada.
“The quarry is being continually developed without considering the impact on the environment,” GENA president Rafael Yus said.
“Should the regional administration not provide satisfactory solutions we reserve the right to go to the Environmental Prosecutor,” he added.
The contract to manage the site was issued before the area was classified as a natural park.
Aerial photographs suggest the site is nearly four times bigger than it was 10 years ago, expanding from 29,300 square metres in 2000 to 132,700 square metres in 2010.
The quarry has been blamed for the destruction of large areas of woodland, which is vital for preventing soil erosion and providing habitats for native wildlife.
Campaigners also allege that rivers are full of debris from the quarry while mining has also led to social problems in the region.


“It’s a beautiful area and this mining is wreaking havoc,” said local resident Charles Jefferson.
“Unless someone in office puts their foot down it may be too late to save it from being lost forever,” he warned.

Posted in: Environmentalists want the La Montosa Quarry,in the Sierras de Tejeda-Almijara Natural Park,to be returned to its natural state to prevent further damage to the environment.