An unusual project has launched in Asturias that could transform the region’s economy. In abandoned mines where coal was once extracted, rare and expensive plants are now being cultivated. This initiative is a response to the challenges of coal industry closures and the search for new sources of income for local residents.
In the underground galleries of the pozo Carrio in Laviana, the first sprouts of wasabi, salicornia, mushrooms, and the so-called ‘tear pea’ (guisante lágrima) have appeared. These crops have never been grown in such conditions before. According to El Pais, the project is supported by the Asturian government, SERIDA, Cantábrica Agricultura Urbana, Hunosa, and CTIC. The main goal is to test whether old mines can be used for hydroponic vertical farms with digital management.
Underground technology
During the experiment, experts assessed how efficiently three groups of crops could be grown: wasabi, vegetable microgreens, and edible mushrooms. Additionally, they tested the cultivation of salicornia and the tear pea, which can fetch up to €600 per kilogram on the market. For this, hydroponic systems were used, with plants receiving nutrients from solutions rather than soil. All processes—from irrigation to lighting—are remotely controlled using sensors and automation.
The underground conditions proved suitable: temperatures remain between 10–16°C, and humidity is around 85%. This helps avoid sharp fluctuations that often hinder outdoor harvests. Special LED lamps, adapted for the darkness of the mines, are used for lighting. This approach helps reduce energy costs and improve product quality.
Economic Potential
The pilot project demonstrated that growing specialty crops in mines is feasible and can be profitable. Optimal parameters were identified for each plant, maintenance costs were reduced, and stable yields were achieved. According to El Pais, the success with wasabi and ‘tear peas’ confirms the potential for producing exclusive products for high-end restaurants.
The introduction of digital technologies and sensors elevates the project to ‘Agro-Industry 4.0’ standards. This ensures transparency, quality control, and the possibility for scaling up. For the region, it’s a chance to create new jobs, attract investment, and breathe new life into industrial sites that have long stood idle.
Future Plans
The next stage is expanding production and attracting businesses. The project is already open to companies that can rent galleries and launch their own farms. In the future, the aim is to supply products to the best restaurants in Spain. The innovation center at the Carrió train base will serve as a testing ground for new technologies, from autonomous vehicles to artificial intelligence systems and microgrid energy solutions.
In the neighboring train at Barredos, they’re creating a space for entrepreneurs to meet, as well as for cultural events and gastronomic shows. This will help unite industrial heritage with modern trends in agriculture and technology.
In recent years, Spain and other European countries have seen a growing number of projects repurposing industrial sites for agricultural needs. For example, in Belgium and the UK, former metro tunnels and bomb shelters are being transformed into vertical farms. Such initiatives not only preserve jobs but also create unique products in demand on the market. In Asturias, this experience could serve as a model for other regions seeking new ways to develop following the closure of traditional industries.
