The environmental recovery of the former mining area of Jales continues in progress, with an investment of around two million euros promoted by EDM – Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro, with support from European funds. One of the main interventions is the construction of ETAM – Mining Water Treatment Station, whose completion is expected by the end of this year. The new infrastructure will allow adequate treatment of runoff water from the former mining area, contributing to the environmental protection of the area.
The status of the works was addressed on September 14 during a meeting between the EDM representative, Daniel Rebelo, and the municipal executive, led by the president of the Municipal Council of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, Ana Rita Dias. At the meeting, Daniel Rebelo highlighted the company's mission, focused on environmental recovery and monitoring of the country's former mining areas.
Ana Rita Dias argued that any future mining exploration project in the municipality should involve the municipality from the outset of the process. The mayor considered it essential that local authorities know the advantages and disadvantages of potential investments and that the population is properly informed, ensuring that projects bring benefits to the community.
Jales is considered one of the largest mining areas in Portugal and was the first to be targeted by an environmental recovery process. In an area of approximately ten hectares, permanent follow-up and monitoring work is currently maintained, carried out regularly and in coordination with APA – Portuguese Environment Agency. After the meeting, the delegation visited the site to observe the environmental recovery works, ending the visit at the Mining Interpretation Centre of Jales.
