Slate Industry in Spain

90% of Europes's natural slate used for roofing originates from the slate industry in Spain, with the region of Galicia being the primary source of production.

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock that splits into thin, smooth-surfaced layers. Metamorphic rock is rock which has changed from one form of matter into another and is not as was originally laid down by nature. It is used extensively in the building industry, particularly for roofing tiles. The production of slate is estimated at 4 million tons per year.

Galicia is situated on the North West coast of Spain, just above Portugal, and is subdivided into 4 provinces: La Coruña, Pontevedra, Lugo and Ourense.

The main areas of slate production are:-

The early history of the region has been shaped by a variety of key cultures and influences:-

4500 – 1500BC The Megalithic culture was the first major influence in the region. They were noted for their skills in construction and architecture, and the remains of thousands of tombs (or dolmens) can be found in the region.

1500 – 700BC There was a substantial increase in trade with the rest of Europe during the Bronze Age, prompted largely by developments in metallurgy.

800 – 500 BC During this period the region was heavily influenced by Celtic culture, and caestros (circular fortified areas atop a hillside, surrounded by a moat) became a common sight.

137BC The first Roman to enter the area was Decimus Junius Brutus.

410AD Galicia fell to the Suevi ( or Suebi) German tribe, following the fall of the Roman Empire, and they formed the first post Roman medieval kingdom in Europe.

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Wikipedia