From coal mine to paradise environment: the story of the As Pontes lake

A picture is worth a thousand words. We could explain that an environmental rehabilitation is a process that consists of altering a degraded or contaminated space with the aim of returning it to its natural and socioeconomic value. But, in this case, we prefer to show it to you. Show you and tell you all the incredible work behind the natural paradise of As Pontes.

The lake of As Pontes, in the province of A Coruña, is not only the largest artificial lake in Spain covering 865 hectares, but is also one of the great examples of the transformative power of human beings. To know its history, we must travel to the Paleolithic, going back almost 30 million years because, although it is difficult to believe, this lake was formerly a lignite deposit. It was the largest mining site in Spain.

Operational since the 40s, this mine became Endesa's in 1972 with the aim of undertaking a new economic phase. However, this great lake has only been in existence for 14 years. It was not until 2008 when, after the closure of the deposit due to the tightening of European regulations on emissions, we decided to give a new lease of life to this hole going down more than 300 metres.

As José Antonio Menéndez, last director of the As Pontes mine, explains, "we must be aware that industrial activity generally has negative impacts on the environment. But if it is done in a planned way from the beginning and you are clear about what the final objective is, human activity is compatible with the natural environment." This is what happened. After many years of rehabilitation, this place has shown that sustainable transformation is possible thanks to companies such as ours, with a firm commitment to the environment.

The stone now reveals crystal-clear water, life and biodiversity, in a landscape characterised by blues and greens. So the hollow of the mine has been converted into a lake with a sandy beach, and today the outer dump site which used to feature tonnes of material from the site is a natural paradise.

Belén Soto, Head of Environment at Endesa, says that "many years of restoration have finally obtained four different habitats - meadow, scrub, woodland and wetlands - which have evolved naturally along with the local fauna". In addition, she adds that "the entire evolution of this restoration is an example that industrial activity can be compatible with environmental protection as long as activities are planned properly". 

This is how As Pontes went from having a huge lignite mine to owning a lake that attracts a lot of tourism to the area. "What at first could have had a negative impact on the economy of the region due to its dependence on the mine, finally mitigated the situation with the benefits of a naturalised environment for water sports and leisure," says José Antonio Menéndez.

This place has already become a tourist attraction for families and sports enthusiasts. But, in addition, this year it has also become the second largest space of continental waters in Galicia and the largest in the province of A Coruña with a Blue Flag. This certification, granted by the European Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), has three requirements: water quality, accessibility for people with reduced mobility and safety services.

As explained by Elena López, Tourism Councillor in As Pontes, "this certification is very important for the unique space concerned. It is a mine turned into a lake, and this surprises people a lot since the quality of the water is excellent." In addition, the recovered environment has opened up new opportunities, as the councillor points out: "We are an industrial town that now has a tourist vocation. This rehabilitation is opening up a lot of opportunities around sustainable tourism. The lake of As Pontes has become, without a doubt, an example of environmental restoration in our country.