Mining Regions and Cities Case of Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia is the largest mining producer in Spain, the second-largest copper producer in the EU and a leader in marble and gypsum production. The region benefits from two distinct mining subsectors, each with a rich network of suppliers that are relevant for local development: the metallic mining sector (e.g. copper and zinc), which accounts for most of the regional mining production, and the non-metallic sector (ornamental rocks, aggregates and industrial minerals), which is highly dispersed across the territory. The regional mining value chain has the potential to leverage the increasing global and EU demand for sustainable raw materials and thus become a frontrunner in leading technologies and circular processes for environmentally sustainable mining. This study identifies how Andalusia can build on its strengths and address current and future challenges to improve regional productivity and well-being while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and assisting EU climate goals.
Assessment and recommendations
Andalusia, the southernmost region of Spain, has the largest population and second-largest land area in the country. It is the lead mining region in Spain in terms of production (38.6% of mining production) and employment (28.4%). Andalusia is also a growing player in the European mining sector, distinguishing itself as the second European producer of copper and leader in the production of marble and gypsum. The region’s location in the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB), encompassing Seville and Huelva through to Southern Portugal, represents a global asset when it comes to metallic minerals. Within the region, Huelva is the main mining (TL3) region, producing 70% of the region’s metallic mining The OECD regional database collects and publishes regional data at two different geographical levels, namely large regions (Territorial Level 2, TL2) and small regions (Territorial Level 3, TL3). Both levels encompass entire national territories. With some exceptions, TL2 regions represent the first administrative tier of subnational government (i.e. states in the United States or régions in France). TL3 regions are smaller territorial units that make up each TL2 region. Andalusia is composed of eight TL3 regions: Almeria, Cadiz, Cordoba, Granada, Huelva, Jaen, Malaga and Seville.