PORTUGAL Law and Practice Contributed by: Manuel Protásio and Catarina Coimbra, VdA
defence capabilities. In this context, Portugal’s rich geological resources allow it to play a crucial role in supporting the EU’s ambitions for greater self-suf - ficiency and supply chain resilience, particularly in times of geopolitical uncertainty and dependence on non-European suppliers. As these projects are moving forward, it is expected that both national and European legislation will be adapted to address the challenges of this growing industry. Portuguese legislation for the mining sector has also seen significant changes in recent years with the enactment of a new and more efficient legal and insti - tutional framework, introducing substantial modifica - tions to the regulation of mining rights and the extrac - tive industry sector in general.
Such changes relate to the following in particular: • the distribution of exploitation benefits (ie, royalties) between the State, municipalities and local popula - tions; • the possibility of having the relevant concession agreement imposing that minerals be processed on national territory; • more demanding environmental sustainability regulations (in compliance with “green mining” standards); • recognition of the wider inspection powers of the regulatory agency; and • the promotion of public participation/consultation in the awarding procedures for the granting of min - ing rights.
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