La primera explotación minera de la sal gema: La vall salina de cardona (cataluña, españa)

Abstract

This article presents results concerning the earliest exploitation of rock salt in Europe at the Muntanya de Sal, Cardona (Spain), a unique salt mountain in Western Europe. This mining activity began c. 4,500-4,200 B.C. and was an open quarry during the Catalan Middle Neolithic. We analysed 225 polished stone tools to determine the processes of production used in the Vall Salina and the mechanical processes used in salt extraction. Finally, we stress the importance of the exchanges and the trade during the Middle Neolithic and the socio-economical value of rock salt from Cardona.