The salting factory is a large complex industry which required an important production of salt to supply it.
At Mazarrón Port there is an old salt lake, which crystalized in the 20th century in a large industrial exploitation, but which we know previously was worked by smallholders. The appropriate geological and topographical characteristics lead us to believe it was probably exploited during the Roman era.
Marine salt is obtained by the precipitation of salts following the evaporation of sea water. It is left to evaporate in shallow tanks, generally separated by earth or stone retaining walls. The annual work cycle presents different seasonal tasks. The salt lake is rebuilt and remains made up in spring for the seasonal harvest. In autumn the salt lake is opened to drain it, which damages the dykes and separation wall, which have to be repaired in spring.
As well as production in high capacity salt lakes, in ancient times another alternative for obtaining sale was collecting it from natural “hollows” in rocky platforms by the sea. The difference in the salt obtained in this way as opposed to the salt lakes is that it does not have a crystalized aspect, but is flaky, and it is not possible to use it directly due to its bitter taste and must be washed in fresh water. These types of hollows are common on the Murcian coast.