NAICA-TRASCENDENCIA
 
 


In 2006, in order to investigate, explore and make the crystal caves known to the public, the Naica Project was initiated which has given rise to an international organization that combines experience and financial and professional infrastructure, comprising scientists, researchers, photographers, artists and disseminators of various nationalities who, realizing that sooner or later that caves would disappear because of their fragility, have assumed the responsibility of recording one of the most beautiful places on the earth for posterity.

  

Saúl Villasante and Alejandro Macías in the master control,
outside the “crystal cave.”

Francesco Lo Mastro and Gerardo Escobedo
testing a respirator.

The “Naica Project” started in 2006, to explore research and promote awareness of the Crystal Caves in the Naica Mine. The project developed gradually during twelve working trips to Naica between January 2006 and March 2008. In time the Naica Project pooled the expertise, experience, financial and professional infrastructure of various companies, groups, institutions and participants with the same goal: to augument knowledge and promote awareness of this natural heritage.

 

The “NAICA PROJECT” began in January 2006 and has gradually been structured around a single objective: providing knowledge about this natural heritage.

An international team of scientists and researchers in the areas of speleology, mineralogy, topography, biology, exobiology, physics, medicine, philosophy of science, ecology, technology and professionals in computer systems, photography and film, among others, achieved this goal.

Naica’s caves are located in a working mine and due to their excessive humidity and temperature are not accessible to the public.

Man will inevitably lose the caves, either because the waters return or because the loss of heat and humidity affects their brilliance and transparency, making the crystals break and fall.
 

The caves will no doubt be lost to human eyes, either because the water will return when the mineral reserves are depleted and the pumping system of the mine stops, or because the loss of heat and humidity continue affecting the brightness and transparency of the crystals causing them to increasingly fracture and fall.

The unique conditions of temporality and fragility of the site, made it more pressing for the Naica Project’s team to seize the opportunity to record for history and future generations, one of the most beautiful places on earth.

 

 

 

he Naica Project`s team selected the following areas of interest and activities:

  • Images. To keep visual records of the site and activities within, through photography and film.

  • Scientific Research. To answer specific questions about the genesis and formation of crystals, with professionals in the areas of geology, physics, speleological chemistry, geophysics, crystallography, etc.

  • Exploration. To carry out a physical survey and keep records of the known caves and register new areas.

  • Technological Development. The work required great experience and solving problems of survival in such a hostile environment. Innovative equipment and systems were designed to carry out works of exploration, research, photography and film.

  • Safety and Health. To define and implement safety norms and regulations for the safety of the participants, and to learn and record the impact to the health of team members performing intensive high-risk activities under conditions of extreme heat.

  • Promotion and Awareness. To fulfill a commitment of sharing with the world the results of research and exploration, and the best possible images as reflected in several audiovisual products resulting from this effort.
  

 


NAICA Project

Visual Rescue.

Scientific Research

Exploration

Technological Development

Safety and Health

Dissemination


Three explorers preparing to enter the crystal cave
while Giuseppe Giovine and Gerardo Escobedo
record their entrances.