Recovery of Ancient Groundwater Supply Systems and Old Abandoned Mines: Coupling Engineering Geosciences and Geoheritage Management

This work aims to highlight the coupling of engineering geosciences and geoheritage studies on an integrative multidisciplinary approach to the recovery processes of abandoned mining heritage. In order to fulfil these goals an experimental site was selected in S. Martinho de Tibaes Monastery enclosure. Some abandoned water mines were part of an impressive water supply system of the monastery between 17th and 19th centuries. The Aveleiras Mine site was also exploited in the first half of the 20th century as a wolfram mine for over 23 years. Specific actions were developed to rehabilitate some sites, in order to facilitate their inclusion in selected hydrogeo-itineraries to the wide public. This will demonstrate their early purpose, i.e., to provide water to the gardens and orchards of the monastery. In addition, the recovery of abandoned mining sites is a worthy example of an organization transformative process towards a second life-cycle in geotourism, natural heritage and cultural assets. Such interventions represent important measures for sustainability and the surrounding environment.