The Río Tinto mines are located in the province of Huelva (Spain). After 5,000 years of mining the most important period was during the time of British control when the Riotinto Company Limited had an effect on the economic growth in the province, as well as on other areas. There was great social transformation due to the arrival of manpower from all over the country. The population in the area grew tenfold and the social inequalities imposed by the English company became rampant which caused social upheaval and union protests that echoed out across the country.