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Spain: Dreams of a New Gold Rush

September 21, 2012

Decentralization was supposed to secure Spain's future, but that was before the economic crisis hit. Many of country's regions are deeply in debt. Now the principality of Asturias wants to help itself by mining for gold.

https://p.dw.com/p/16CNy
Hände halten einen Gesteinsbrocken mit Golderz, aufgenommen in der in der Goldmine bei Berejosowski am 18.09.2008. Foto: Matthias Toedt +++(c) dpa - Report+++
Image: picture-alliance/ZB

Asturias sits on one of the biggest untapped gold deposits in western Europe. Officials hope opening up new gold mines will create thousands of new jobs. But the plans have sparked protests. Many farmers fear that mining for gold could trigger the release of dangerous chemicals and endanger their crops.

Bildbeschreibung: Abraumhalde einer Goldmine in Asturien Herkunft: DW Eigendreh
Image: DW