Main open-pit copper-sulphur mine at Rio Tinto, Huelva, Southwest Spain, Europe

Aerial view of Rio Tinto, by drone, Huelva District, Andalucia, Spain, Europe

Aerial view of Rio Tinto, by drone, Huelva District, Andalucia, Spain, Europe

Monumental statue for Columbus, Rio Odiel, Rio Tinto, Huelva, Andalusia, Spain87

Sea salt extraction by the British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto Minerals, Port Hedland, Western Australia, Australia

Sea salt extraction by the British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto Minerals, Port Hedland, Western Australia, Australia

Sea salt extraction by the British-Australian mining company Rio Tinto Minerals, Port Hedland, Western Australia, Australia

Rio Tinto red river reddish hue due to iron copper and sulfur dissolved in the water habitat with extreme conditions for life forms Andalusia

Rio Tinto red river reddish hue due to iron copper and sulfur dissolved in the water habitat with extreme conditions for life forms Andalusia

aerial view Rio Tinto red river reddish hue due to iron copper and sulfur dissolved in the water habitat with extreme conditions for life forms Andalusia

Rio Tinto red river reddish hue due to iron copper and sulfur dissolved in the water habitat with extreme conditions for life forms Andalusia

Rio Tinto red river reddish hue due to iron copper and sulfur dissolved in the water habitat with extreme conditions for life forms Andalusia

Rio Tinto red river reddish hue due to iron copper and sulfur dissolved in the water habitat with extreme conditions for life forms Andalusia

Reflections on Rio Tinto, near its source, Andalusia, Spain *** Local Caption *** R?o Tinto ("Red River") is very acidic (Ph 2) and has a deep reddish hue due to iron dissolved in water. The acidity of the watercourse is linked to the drainage of pyrite, which is very present in the subsoil. Extremophilic and endemic bacteria and algae colonize the river bed, forming a fragile biofilm that evokes the hot springs of Yellowstone Park in the USA.

Clay loaded with iron oxides and dried out, Rio Tinto, Andalusia, Spain *** Local Caption *** R?o Tinto ("Red River") is very acidic (Ph 2) and has a deep reddish hue due to iron dissolved in water. The acidity of the watercourse is linked to the drainage of pyrite, which is very present in the subsoil. Extremophilic and endemic bacteria and algae colonize the river bed, forming a fragile biofilm that evokes the hot springs of Yellowstone Park in the USA.

Reflection of trees in Tinto river, Rio Tinto minas, Rio Tinto, Huelva, Spain