Forgotten tracks and whispers of industry mark the story of Minas de Midões. Just a few kilometers from Porto lies a place etched with the echoes of coal mining.
In 1872, the mine belonged to Hastings & Tait. The company later became Veloso & Tait. Manuel Martins da Rocha acquired the property in 1916. He established the Empresa Mineira do Carvão de Midões. The company expanded operations into nearby areas. They invested heavily and opened new mining shafts. They also built workshops and warehouses. A railway transported coal to Foz do Sousa. From there it traveled by river to Porto.
Minas de Midões saw a boom after 1916. Mining became mechanized. Production soared. In 1917 they extracted 6565 tons of coal. By 1920 that number rose to 9927 tons. French capital joined the company in 1924. It became the Companhia Anónima Portuguesa para Exploração de Combustíveis. However, new investments never materialized. The Minas de Midões suspended production in 1927. The company was facing a severe financial crisis.
Layers of coal as thick as 20 meters were extracted here. Imagine the bustling activity. Think of the rhythmic clang of tools. Feel the ground tremble beneath the weight of industry.
Today little remains of the Minas de Midões or its railway. Nature reclaims its space. The landscape heals over time. However, the spirit of Minas de Midões lives on in a nearby trail.
The route follows the old railway line. It leads to the Moinhos de Jancido. These are eight local mills. They are currently being restored. The Moinhos de Jancido once ground corn into flour. Local volunteers began restoring them in 2016. They are working to bring them back to life. They want to create an attractive and visitable space.
José Fernando Moreira is a councilor for the environment. He emphasizes the historical and cultural value of the area. He supports the volunteer efforts. He believes this space should be part of the urban parks network.
The story of Minas de Midões reminds us of the ever-changing landscape. Industry gives way to nature. What was once a center of coal extraction is now a place of quiet reflection. The Moinhos de Jancido stand as a symbol of community and heritage. They show how the past can be preserved. They prove that it can be celebrated by those who care.