La minería en la baronía de Entença (Baix Priorat) durante época Moderna. La regulación y explotación de las minas de galena, cobre y manganeso en los siglos XV, XVI y XVII

Identifier:  TDX:2705

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX2705

Authors:  Alonso Mora, Alba

Abstract:
This investigation pretends to be a definitive study about the mining in barony of Entença (El Baix Priorat) during Modern Ages. In this area, mining counts with an ancient tradition and it became one the most important activity, both economically and culturally. Nevertheless, historical research has just begun and claims for new efforts and renewed points of view. In this sense, we will find in these pages an explanation of those aspects which are considered essential to determine the stage of mining development: labour organization, technique and technology, legislation, production and trade. Through these indicators, we will be able to compare mining in barony of Entença to similar mines in other places, as well Peninsular as European. We reached conclusions that show a continuous development and technical evolution in Barony of Entença’s mining in order to solve increasing challenges caused by an interrupted mineral extraction (lead, copper and manganese). This mining production was extracted in considerable quantities and send to several cities in Valencia, Aragon, Catalonia and Majorca to be sold. Finally, we will appreciate how capitalism were gradually adopted in Catalan mining, and changed the work system dramatically, especially after the construction of a lead ammunition factory in Falset between 1693 and 1695. Mining companies -a sort of independent associations divided in company shares- lost their original equality feature and were leaded to assume a capitalist regime, typical of middle Modern centuries, preparing mining for next industrialization in Contemporary Age.