An Accidental Discovery That Changed Loulé

In the 1950s, the Campina de Cima area, located in the eastern part of Loulé, was primarily an agricultural zone. Several farms in the region focused on livestock production, which required a consistent water supply for food cultivation. To overcome frequent droughts, local farmers, with the support of the “Grémio da Lavoura” (Farmers’ Guild), began drilling for groundwater.

However, instead of discovering a new water source, these deep boreholes revealed something unexpected—vast deposits of rock salt (sal-gema). Initially, there was hope that the deposits contained potassium chloride (a key fertilizer component), but further geological and geophysical studies confirmed the presence of high-quality sodium chloride (NaCl).

This accidental discovery marked the beginning of an industrial shift in Loulé, setting the stage for what would become one of Portugal’s most significant mining operations.

From Exploration to Industry: The Growth of the Loulé Salt Mine

1960s: The Birth of Industrial Rock Salt Mining

• In 1963, the CLONA – Mineira de Sais Alcalinos S.A.R.L was founded to oversee further exploration.
• After final confirmation of large salt deposits, mining operations began in January 1964.
• Experienced miners from the São Domingos Mine (which was closing in 1966) brought their expertise to Campina de Cima, digging two access shafts into the underground deposit.

By 1966, the first extraction tunnels were created at 230 meters below ground, connecting the two shafts to provide efficient ventilation and facilitating large-scale salt mining using the “room and pillar” method.

1970s: Expansion & Acquisition by the José de Mello Group

By the late 1970s, CLONA was acquired by the José de Mello Group, aiming to supply rock salt to Portugal’s growing chemical industry. Key clients included:
✔ Quimigal S.A. (chemical industries in Barreiro).
✔ Uniteca S.A. (chemical industries in Estarreja).

During this period, the mine’s production capacity expanded significantly, and technological advancements increased efficiency and safety in mining operations.

1980s–1990s: Technological Innovations & Workforce Evolution

By the end of the 1980s, the mine had already extended over 35 km of underground tunnels, making it the largest underground space in Portugal. The extraction process underwent significant modernization, with several technological firsts in the Portuguese mining industry:

✅ First mine in Portugal to use flexible guiding systems (cable-based elevators instead of traditional rail systems).
✅ First mine in Portugal to introduce diesel-powered machinery underground, replacing electric trains and rail networks.
✅ Second mine in Portugal to use ANFO explosives (ammonium nitrate + fuel oil)—a cost-effective and efficient method of rock blasting.
✅ One of the first to automate explosive charging, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

🔹 1983: Introduction of continuous mining technology, replacing manual and explosive mining with mechanized cutting machines.
🔹 1989: Explosives were completely phased out, and mining operations transitioned to two work shifts instead of three, reducing the workforce while improving efficiency and safety.

🔹 1993: The extraction tower of Shaft 2 was replaced with a modern structure capable of extracting 100 tons of salt per hour.

2000s: Environmental Responsibility & Business Evolution

By the early 2000s, new environmental measures were introduced, including:
✔ A covered mineral loading tunnel, reducing dust and improving logistics.
✔ Reduced energy consumption, with improved mining equipment.

🔹 2005: CLONA S.A. merged with Quimigal – Química de Portugal S.A., which was part of the CUF Group. This led to a shift in strategy, moving away from chemical-grade salt production toward specialty salts.

🔹 2007: Production focused on industrial applications such as:
✔ Animal feed salt.
✔ Road safety salt for winter de-icing.

🔹 2018: CUF rebranded as Bondalti Chemicals S.A., and as salt mining was no longer part of its core business, the mine was put up for sale.

🔹 2019: A new company, Tech Salt S.A., acquired the Loulé Salt Mine, marking a new era of innovation, diversification, and tourism development.

Present Day: A Fully Operational Mine & Tourist Attraction

Today, the Loulé Salt Mine is a modern mining facility operating in perfect safety conditions, with over 40 km of tunnels. It remains the largest underground space open to visitors in Portugal and continues to produce high-quality rock salt for national and international markets.

🔹 Mining Concession: 1,200 hectares (last renewed in 1992).
🔹 Annual Production Record: Over 124,000 tons in 1989.
🔹 Salt Purity: 93.5% NaCl, suitable for various industrial and commercial uses.

A Living Example of Innovation & Adaptation

The Loulé Salt Mine stands as a testament to ingenuity and resilience, embodying the famous Portuguese saying:

“A necessidade aguça o engenho” (Necessity sharpens ingenuity).

From its early days to today, the mine has:
✔ Pioneered mining technologies in Portugal.
✔ Adapted to new market demands, from industrial chemicals to road safety and tourism.
✔ Maintained strict safety and environmental standards.

The Loulé Salt Mine Tour: Portugal’s Deepest Tourist Experience

Today, visitors can embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through this active mine. Guided by Fininho (the mine’s mascot) and his friend Salty, guests can:

✔ Descend 230 meters underground into a vast salt labyrinth beneath Loulé.
✔ Walk 1.3 km through tunnels to explore 230-million-year-old geological formations.
✔ Discover the evolution of salt mining from traditional methods to modern technology.
✔ Learn about the scientific and economic significance of rock salt in Portugal and beyond.

🛠 The mine operates as both an active industrial site and a fascinating geotourism attraction, where visitors witness first-hand how rock salt is extracted in harmony with mining tourism.

📍 Location: Loulé, Algarve, Portugal
🚶‍♂️ Tour Length: 1.3 km (guided)
🌍 Deepest Visit in Portugal!

Experience the Magic of Loulé—A Land of History & Opportunity

Beyond its rich history, Loulé is a prime real estate destination, offering:
✔ Traditional homes near historic sites.
✔ Luxury properties in Algarve’s countryside.
✔ Proximity to Faro Airport and major Algarve attractions.

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