Ben Magec denounces illegal aggregate extraction on La Palma volcano

The environmental organization Ben Magec-Ecologistas en Acción has denounced the illegal extraction and crushing of aggregates on the Tajogaite volcano lava flow in Los Llanos de Aridane, La Palma. The group claims the activity has been ongoing for approximately two years, occupying roughly 12,000 square meters of land.

According to the federation, the operations are being conducted by a well-known local businessman. They further allege that the activity involves using land belonging to families who lost their property during the volcanic eruption, exploiting these parcels without consent for economic profit.

Ben Magec has criticized the lack of action from public administrations. In October 2025, the organization submitted requests for public and environmental information to both the Government of the Canary Islands' Directorate General of Industry and the Los Llanos de Aridane City Council. Nearly a year later, the federation reports it has received no response and has not been provided with the requested authorization files, environmental impact assessments, or restoration plans.