A project rooted in memory and guided by a vision for the future
The Mina da Borralha Project arises from the recognition of Portugal’s natural and historical heritage and from the conviction that this heritage should generate tangible benefits for the population. It is an initiative grounded in the belief that the country’s resources should serve collective development, social cohesion, and the creation of opportunities for both present and future generations.
This also includes an active approach to environmental rehabilitation, promoting the recovery of areas affected by historical intervention and the enhancement of the surrounding space. The objective is the production of tungsten, a material widely used in modern industry and present in essential everyday technologies.
Grounded in respect for the territory, for people, and for the country’s mining history, the project is developed in ongoing dialogue with the local community, valuing local knowledge and the participation of residents in building balanced solutions.
Territorial & Environmental Responsibility
Borralha is not an isolated point on the map — it is a place shaped by memory, people, and history.
With an environmental licence approved following in-depth technical studies carried out responsibly by specialized teams and independent entities, the project moves forward supported by modern, efficient underground technologies that are carefully integrated into the territory.
Tungsten as a resource
Tungsten in today’s world
Tungsten is an essential material for the functioning of the contemporary economy. Its physical properties—such as high strength, durability, and stability under extreme conditions—make it indispensable across multiple areas of everyday life and industry.
It is used in medical equipment, digital technologies, energy systems, manufacturing, electric mobility, and solutions associated with the energy transition. It is also fundamental to precision tools and to the infrastructures that support modern production chains.
In a global context marked by geopolitical tensions, accelerated technological growth, and the need to reduce excessive dependencies, stable access to this material has become a strategic issue for many countries and regions. Its responsible development supports innovation, skilled employment, and sustained economic growth.
The favourable environmental opinion results from this process and frames the project within a model of responsible and regulated development.
More than a century of history
Borralha already has a museum hub dedicated to its memory: the Barroso Ecomuseum – Borralha Mines Interpretive Centre, created in 2015 to preserve local history and enhance the heritage associated with mining activity.
The Mina da Borralha Project provides for the restructuring and enhancement of this ecomuseum, through the restoration of historic buildings and structures, improvements to interpretive trails, and the strengthening of educational and cultural programming, ensuring that Borralha’s memory remains alive and accessible to both the community and visitors.
The history of Borralha is deeply linked to tungsten mining in Portugal and dates back to the early 20th century. In 1902, the mining concession was granted, initiating a cycle of development that would come to shape both the local and national economy.
Following the closure of operations, the territory retained significant material and documentary traces. In 2015, the Borralha Mines Interpretive Centre was created, as part of the Barroso Ecomuseum, with the aim of preserving mining heritage and enhancing this legacy as a cultural and educational asset.
Museum and Legacy
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In-depth analyses of the territory’s geological characteristics, resource quality, and the technical conditions required for project development, carried out using current methodologies and up-to-date data.
Preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment
A systematic assessment of the project’s potential environmental impacts, including on soil, water, air, ecosystems, and the surrounding human environment, along with the definition of mitigation measures and technical solutions designed to prevent and control effects on the territory, while maintaining strict criteria from the outset.
Assessment by regulatory and licensing authorities
Environmental Compliance Report for the Execution Project (RECAPE)
An independent review of the project and the studies submitted, carried out by the competent public authorities in accordance with applicable legislation, culminating in the issuance of an environmental opinion.
A document that ensures the project incorporates environmental protection measures and continuous monitoring of activities, in compliance with the requirements set by the environmental authority and with the commitments made to the community.
Detailed geological and technical studies
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Project Phases
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The official opinion confirming that the final project fully complies with the provisions set out in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), ensuring that environmental requirements, protection measures, and monitoring actions are effectively implemented before the start of mining operations.
Operation
Start of mining operations in accordance with the licences, with the continuous application of mitigation, monitoring, and compensation measures, ensuring strict compliance with environmental commitments and responsible integration into the territory.
Legacy for the Community
Job creation and the stimulation of the local and regional economy throughout the project. After mining operations conclude, the territory will be rehabilitated and transformed into a structured space for new uses, with accessible green areas, the enhancement of mining heritage, and infrastructure designed for educational, cultural, and recreational activities—ensuring lasting benefits for Borralha and for Montalegre.
