A notable feature of the Sierra de Orihuela is the presence of stratiform, sediment-hosted Cu-(Co-Ni) deposits, which have been intermittently exploited for copper (and, to a lesser extent, cobalt) across several historical periods. These periods span the 15th to 17th centuries, the early 19th century, and the mid-20th century. The best exposure of these deposits is located near the village of Santomera where the largest deposit in the region, the Cabezo de la Mina deposit, is situated atop the meta-detrital formation, in proximity to its contact with the overlying carbonate sequence. The Cu-(Co-Ni) mineralization is typically present as thin layers that fill stratification planes along the contact between bluish slates and phyllites. Additionally, some ores were found within fractures, diaclases, and other open spaces, often forming small veins of few centimeters in thickness.

Other Regions, Features and Areas containing this locality

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