Pozo Sotón, Coal mine and cultural heritage site in Samartín del Rei Aurelio, Spain.
Pozo Sotón is a coal mine in Samartín del Rei Aurelio with a vertical shaft that descends deep underground and is surrounded by industrial structures. A prominent derrick rises above a wide esplanade near the Nalón river and serves as the central focal point of the site.
The shaft was expanded between 1917 and 1922 by the Duro-Felguera company to increase coal production for growing industrial needs. This enlargement made it one of the region's major production centers during the industrial boom.
The Mining Experience and Memory Center preserves how miners lived and worked through exhibits and memorials that show the importance of coal extraction to the region. The site tells the story of the people who labored here and shaped the local community.
Visitors can explore the underground galleries and mining facilities through guided tours that require advance booking. It is best to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for cool temperatures in the lower levels.
The shaft features an internal spongy design that improved both operational efficiency and structural safety during active mining. This innovative engineering allowed higher coal output while maintaining safer working conditions for miners.
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