PORTUGAL Trends and Developments Contributed by: Manuel Protásio and Catarina Coimbra, VdA
cost savings, and risk reduction. For exam - ple, energy-efficient technologies can lower operational costs and minimise environmental impacts. • Long-term resilience – ESG integration con - tributes to the long-term resilience of mining companies by addressing emerging challeng - es, such as regulatory changes and climate risks. Government Support and Regulatory Framework The Portuguese government has been proac - tive in creating a favourable environment for the growth of the mining sector. A clear and transparent regulatory framework, coupled with incentives for mining investments, has been established to attract both domestic and inter - national players. The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG) oversees the regu - latory aspects of the mining industry, ensuring compliance with safety standards whilepromot - ing sustainable development. Some geological resources are, by virtue of their specific characteristics, supervised by the Gen - eral Directorate of Natural Resources, Security and Maritime Services, namely the geological resources in the national maritime space. Spe - cific matters governed by different authorities regarding health and safety, environmental pro - tection and social issues and cultural heritage, may also apply. The municipalities also play an important role in the implementation of mining projects at local level. In environmental matters, the Portuguese Envi - ronment Agency (APA) plays a significant role in the approval process for mining activities. As a member state of the EU, EU policies and strategies for the mining sector also impact Por -
tugal’s activities within this sector. EU policies on raw materials – which include the Raw Materials Initiative, or RMI, the Critical Raw Materials (CRM) List and the European Raw Materials Alliance, or ERMA, to which most of the key companies operating in the mining sector in Portugal have adhered – play an important role in this context. Exploration of Untapped Mineral Resources Beyond lithium, Portugal possesses a wealth of other mineral resources, including tungsten, copper, tin, and gold. There is ongoing explora - tion activity to identify and assess new deposits of these minerals. The diversification of mineral production aims to strengthen the sector’s resil - ience and contribute to the overall economic stability of the country. Community Engagement The engagement of the local population in min - ing projects is becoming increasingly important for mining companies in Portugal. Engaging with local communities, addressing their concerns, and ensuring that mining activities bring tangi - ble benefits to the regions are crucial aspects of modern mining practices. Companies are focus - ing on building strong relationships with stake - holders, creating job opportunities, and invest - ing in community development projects to foster goodwill and support for their operations. In conclusion, the mining sector in Portugal is experiencing a dynamic phase of growth and transformation. A strategic focus on developing lithium resources, adopting sustainable mining practices, leveraging technological advance - ments, and fostering a supportive regulatory environment are driving the sector forward. These developments not only reinforce Por - tugal’s position in the global mining industry but also contribute to the country’s economic growth and sustainable development goals.
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