Just under a month ago, we celebrated a very special day at Triturados Puerto Blanco, S.L. with the official opening of our La Mimbre solar photovoltaic plant, a project that marks a new step forward in our commitment to innovation, sustainability and the future of responsible mining.
The event began with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque by Jorge Paradela, the Regional Minister for Industry, Energy and Mines of the Regional Government of Andalusia, who officially opened the facility before leading a technical tour of the site. The event enjoyed significant institutional support, led by the Director-General of Mines, Jesús Portillo, and the Andalusian MP and member of the Committee on Industry, Energy and Mines, Celia Santiago.
Also in attendance were the Regional Government’s representative in Granada, Antonio Granados, alongside the regional representatives for Economy, Finance, European Funds, and Industry, Energy and Mines, Gumersindo Fernández Casas; and for Development, Territorial Coordination and Housing, Antonio Ayllón. The institutional representation was rounded off by the presence of heads of department, mayors from neighbouring municipalities — including Manuel Luis López Fernández, from Beas de Granada, and José Carlos Ortega Ocaña, from Huétor Santillán — and the other regional and provincial authorities who had travelled for the occasion.
The event also included a moment to reflect on our history, which began in the late 1950s when Mr Manuel Rodríguez Fernández started the first dolomite quarries in this area. Since then, several generations of the family have worked with dedication, perseverance and foresight to establish the company as a leader in the sector.
One of the most moving moments was the speech given by Manuel Rodríguez Garrido, who looked back on the company’s journey and spoke of his pride at seeing the second and third generations of the family working together today: “They’re already taking the reins; they ask us for advice and we share our experience, but we must start making way for the new blood.”
The mayor of Beas de Granada, Manuel Luis López Fernández, praised the company’s track record, stating: “The work they have been doing for many years is commendable. They act as a springboard for young people who want to make a life for themselves in their local area.”
For his part, the mayor of Huétor Santillán spoke in favour of sustainable mining within the Sierra de Huétor Natural Park, highlighting that the ore from this region reaches markets as distant and demanding as those in the US, Canada and Australia. During his speech, Ortega Ocaña also congratulated the Rodríguez Garrido family on their track record and good work, highlighting the unity of a family that is a benchmark for success in the environmental management of their company.
The technical aspects of the project were outlined by the company’s current director, José Luis Rodríguez Garrido, who explained how “La Mimbre” consolidates and builds on a commitment to innovation that began in 2002 with its high-efficiency cogeneration plant. This infrastructure represents, in the words of our director, a key milestone in a strategy driven by R&D&I, designed not only to achieve energy independence, but also to lead the way in minimising greenhouse gas emissions and laying the foundations for future sustainable developments.
At the close of the event, Jorge Paradela described Triturados Puerto Blanco as a prime example of “21st-century mining”, based on a commitment to both industry and the environment. He also emphasised that: “Projects like this demonstrate that we know how to extract that wealth sustainably”.
For all of us, La Mimbre is not just a solar power plant. It is a statement of intent: to continue growing, innovating and producing, whilst respecting the environment, demonstrating entrepreneurial vision and taking pride in our roots. It is a statement of intent: to continue growing, innovating and producing, whilst respecting the environment, demonstrating entrepreneurial vision and taking pride in our roots.
