Photographic exhibition about the largest artificial lake in Europe, recently built by Endesa in the Galician town of As Pontes on the site of an old lignite mine. The lake offers a wide range of compatible possibilities, from recreational and tourist uses to industrial and energy-related applications.

The coal extracted from As Pontes has been used to fuel a thermal power plant located in the municipality. The mine reached a maximum depth of 288 meters. In addition to lignite, nearly 700 million cubic meters of waste material were extracted and neatly piled in the spoil heap outside the complex, covering a total area of ​​over 1.200 hectares.

Endesa began work on the external spoil heap in the early 80s. Its rehabilitation ran concurrently with mining operations. This artificial deposit is the largest in Spain and also represents the largest restored mining area in the country. The growth of vegetation has facilitated the arrival of wildlife in a process of natural colonization. A census conducted by scientists from the University of Santiago has recorded 180 different species of vertebrate animals.

The mining operations left a large pit with a perimeter of 17,8 kilometers and a depth of over 200 meters. After years of studying possible environmental solutions, the decision was made to transform the mine pit into a large lake. The lake holds 547 cubic hectometers of water and serves as a model of sustainable mining and best practices in corporate social responsibility.

On the shore closest to the town of As Pontes, a gently sloping beach has been built, covering 30.000 square meters, divided between a sandy area and a meadow. The beach is nestled between two headlands, following a design by the School of Civil Engineering of A Coruña.

Organized by:
CBA
Endesa

TIMETABLE
Monday to Sunday from 11:00 to 15:00 and from 16:00 to 21:00