The port of Huelva and the resurgence of mining (1873-1930)

The setting up of the Committee of Works of the Port of Huelva coincided with the revitalization of mining in the province during the last third of the 19th century, stimulated by the injection of the foreign capital and technology. The mining legislation concerning customs duties of 1868 also contributed to triggering mining fever. For its part, the Port of Huelva began its administrative development within a succession of norms by which other similar bodies were progressively created along the Spanish coasts, with the encouragement of the local middle-classes. Mineral ores began to emerge from the bowels of the earth in Huelva at the eager hands of the miners, especially copper, manganese and pyrites, which was transported by the railways to the Port of Huelva, from whence, thanks to the development of its infrastructure, they were subsequently exported, mainly to a Europe in the throes of its second industrial revolution. (Author) 49 refs.