Rescuing the mineral loading docks of the Spanish Coast: traces of a cultural landscape

Mineral loading docks, visible traces of abandoned mining cultural landscapes, face threats from deterioration, undervaluation, and urban or territorial development. Located in exposed coastal areas, these iron structures endure harsh marine conditions, accelerating their decay after mining ceased. This article emphasises their historical, technical, and cultural significance, advocating for their preservation through three recent Spanish restoration case studies: El Hornillo, Dícido, and Tharsis. These piers, repeatedly modified over time, represent remarkable industrial heritage elements from the nineteenth to twentieth centuries. This article aims to highlight the value of these structures as part of the cultural landscape to achieve greater awareness, recognition, and protection. The study examines their history and current state through documentation and structural analysis, proposing sustainable restoration strategies that combine structural reinforcement with adaptive reuse. By integrating them into tourism and leisure activities – such as viewpoints or heritage routes – their legacy is preserved while enhancing socioeconomic value. The approach balances conservation with functionality, ensuring these engineering structures remain authentic landmarks. The projects demonstrate how industrial heritage can be revitalised, safeguarding its memory while fostering cultural and touristic appeal.