A project for the construction and operation of a new underground mine in Aljustrel, promoted by ALMINA – Minas do Alentejo, has entered the environmental analysis phase after the closure of the public consultation, which took place between 21 July and 31 August 2026. The C-14 "Gavião" Concession, located in the Union of Parishes of Aljustrel and Rio de Moinhos, in the district of Beja, foresees an estimated investment of approximately 250 million euros, with extraction of approximately 1.5 million tonnes of ore per year, producing about 85 thousand tonnes annually of copper and zinc concentrates.
The environmental association ZERO presented an opinion opposing the project's approval during the public consultation, questioning three main aspects. The organization contests the option for road transport of the concentrates to the ports of Setúbal and Huelva, in Spain, arguing that a railway alternative should have been analyzed, especially since the production from Aljustrel's mines was transported by train for decades. ZERO also questions the management of mining waste, pointing out that 60% of the tailings will be used to fill underground cavities and the remaining 40% deposited at the existing facility, whose rate of use could exhaust the capacity about two years after 2031.
ZERO also raises doubts about calculations related to energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, considering there are inconsistencies in the assessment. The association also warns about impacts on land use in agricultural and ecological reserves, the planned felling of 388 cork oaks and holm oaks, and water consumption. From an economic perspective, the organization advocates for greater industrial transformation in Portugal of the extracted minerals to increase the added value in the country.
The Environmental Impact Assessment procedure, identified as AIA No. 3912, is under the responsibility of the Portuguese Environment Agency, while the General Directorate for Energy and Geology is the coordinating entity. The environmental decision has not yet been made, with the fields regarding the decision direction and date having no published information. The project foresees a construction period of approximately three years and an operation phase of approximately 17 years.
