Coal industry has meant much more than a work in Northern Spain. Since the end of the XIX century the coal mines have developed a way of life which is about to disappear. Mining is no longer worthwhile in Spain and the economy crisis has accelerated the coal mining decay.

“Mina Escondida” (Hidden Mine) located in León, is one of the last remains of that age. It´s one of the last artisanal coal mines in Spain but its activity will come to an end in 2016 after more than 50 years. 

From the past two years I have documented the miners work and photographed items found inside the mine and some of their personal belongings, as (living) fossils of a missing culture.

Commissioned work for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Castilla y Leon (MUSAC) in Spain