Navajún and the Pyrite Mine
Although small, the town of Navajún is internationally known for its pyrite mine, a mineral resource that has brought world fame to this land. The pyrite of Navajún is unique for its crystalline perfection, with cubes of such perfect geometry that they appear to be sculpted by the hand of man, but are the product of millions of years of natural processes.
Ampliación a Victoria
The mine, known as "Ampliación a Victoria", is not only a symbol of the mining work in the region, but has also promoted the name of Navajún in the mineralogy world. Today, it remains a point of interest for collectors, researchers and tourists who wish to see these spectacular crystals in their place of origin. Navajún is, at its core, a place where history, geology, and culture intertwine to offer a unique experience to those who venture into its land. A remote corner that holds within it the simple beauty of the ancient and the natural.
History
References to pyrite in the old bibliography of La Rioja and Soria are numerous (Calderón, 1910), although there is no specific mention of the locality of Navajún. Instead, sites such as Valdeperillo, Ambasaguas, Valdenegrillo and many others are cited as known pyrite outcrops, often with distinctive morphological characteristics. In 1965, Pedro Ansorena Garret applied for an exploration permit, followed later by the granting of an investigation permit. Finally, on 2 May 1983, the Directorate-General of Mines granted the concession for the exploitation of mining resources in Section C, known as “Ampliación a Victoria”. This concession covers the municipalities of Navajún and Valdemadera (La Rioja), as well as San Pedro Manrique and Valdepedrados (Soria). Since then, the deposit has been exploited on a regular basis until the present day.
Over half a century working with pyrite
On October 1, 2020, Piritas de Navajún was awarded the Biosphere Reserve seal by the regional government for its mining operation "Ampliación a Victoria." This recognition certifies that its activity is based on sustainable values in social, economic, and environmental fields, making it the first mining operator accredited with the Biosphere Reserve brand. This distinction recognizes Piritas de Navajún as an official operator of the brand "La Rioja, Biosphere Reserve. Leza, Jubera, Cidacos, and Alhama Valleys," with the aim of showcasing mining as an economic activity committed to respecting and preserving the natural, cultural, and social values found in the Leza, Jubera, Cidacos, and Alhama valleys.
The Land
The region surrounding Navajún is a reflection of unwavering human effort over the centuries. The landscape is carved with thousands of ancient terraces, silent witnesses to a time when agriculture was the foundation of survival. These terraces, built stone by stone, stretch across hill after hill, becoming a defining feature of the territory. It’s hard not to admire the endless hard work invested in shaping a land as harsh as it is beautiful. The fields and hills blend into an earthy color palette that shifts with the seasons: ochre tones in summer, soft greens in spring, and muted grays in winter. These arid and sometimes rugged lands unfold beneath the sun and the relentless winds of the Sierra de Alcarama, a mountain range that defines the character of the region.
A Journey to Another Era
Located in a region off the beaten path, Navajún is a destination reached after traveling miles of winding roads, that cross a unique landscape. The hills, deep valleys, and volcanic badlands of the Sierra de Alcarama accompany the traveler along the way, offering views of a beauty as stunning as it is rugged. Reaching Navajún is, in a way, a journey through time. The tranquility of its streets, the silence broken only by the wind or the sounds of the countryside, and the authenticity of its surroundings evoke a past where life was simpler and deeply connected to nature. (photo: Miguel Perez)
