Deep within the earth lies Avenc de ses Mines Velles. A hidden world awaits. This is not just any sinkhole. This is a portal to history. A testament to Mallorca’s mining past.
Avenc de ses Mines Velles is more than a hole in the ground. It’s a microcosm of geological time. It’s a place where human endeavor and natural processes intertwine. Its almost horizontal gallery stretches for 20 meters. Its square section measures roughly 2 x 2 meters. It leads to a breathtaking sinkhole. This sinkhole boasts a considerable volume and a depth of about 25 meters.
The unevenness creates a unique microclimate. This fosters the growth of vibrant ferns. Imagine the scene. Lush green ferns cling to the walls. They thrive in the damp darkness. Before mining operations began a natural subsidence likely existed. The walls of the sinkhole are composed of breccias of retian materials. These breccias may be Pliocene or Quaternary in origin. This reveals much about the area’s geological history.
The mine itself is fascinating. It seems the mine was created to access the sinkhole. However it was eventually abandoned. This was likely due to the challenges presented by the cavity. The mine starts with a very narrow trench. This trench measures only 0.7 meters wide. It leads to a small natural cavity. This cavity features interesting concretions. A small natural vertical hole exists at the mine’s northwest end. This hole also features parietal concretion and opens to the outside.
The chasm is another key feature. It’s an irregularly shaped depression. It widens towards the bottom. It has a depth of 5.5 meters. Its elongated upper opening shows signs of human modification. However it likely existed before the modifications. This is evident because it is covered with cast in the upper part of the southeast wall. A small hole is visible at the chasm’s southwest end. Here you can see silts with horizontal stratification. Remains of Tudorella ferruginea are also exposed. Spiders of the species Meta bourneti are found in this area.
Avenc de ses Mines Velles isn’t just a geological wonder. It’s a window into the past. It speaks of human ingenuity and the challenges of resource extraction. This sinkhole and mine offer a glimpse into Mallorca’s rich history. A hidden treasure within the island’s landscape. Remember this hidden world as you continue your tour.