Press Release

Creation of the Monitoring Committee and Social Observatory gives the community a permanent voice in the Borralha Mine

This pioneering structure ensures formal community participation and sets a new standard for transparency in mining operations in Portugal.

The community will now have a permanent role in monitoring the development of the Borralha Mine. On 1 April, in the village of Minas da Borralha, the project established a Monitoring Committee and Social Observatory, bringing together representatives of the local area, residents, academia, public authorities, local associations, farmers and the project developer. This community participation model is designed to strengthen transparency, dialogue and trust in decisions concerning mining activity.

The Committee, whose Regulations were approved at its inaugural meeting, includes representatives from Montalegre Municipal Council, Salto Parish Council, the School of Sciences of the University of Minho, the Local Community of the Paredes Common Lands, the Salto Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association, the Social and Cultural Association of Friends of Borralha, the Salto Sports and Cultural Group, the Borda D’Água Association, a representative of the residents of the village of Minas da Borralha, a representative of farmers from the parish of Salto, and Minerália, the company responsible for implementing the project. In practice, this creates a permanent channel for listening, monitoring, dialogue and joint action.

This is the first initiative of its kind associated with mining activity in Portugal. Its pioneering nature reinforces the importance of the Borralha Mine as a benchmark for a new form of social and community relationship between mining operations, institutions and the community, based on informed social participation, technical rigour and public accountability.

The creation of the Committee also reflects the view that Portugal’s mineral resources are a strategic national asset. Their development can create jobs, help retain population, stimulate the local economy, generate wealth and position Portugal within a relevant international geopolitical framework, at a time when critical minerals are essential to European autonomy, the energy transition, security and industrial competitiveness.

The Borralha Mine Monitoring Committee and Social Observatory represents another step in Minerália’s commitment to the local community, particularly with regard to safeguarding public health, protecting environmental resources — especially water, fauna and flora — and preserving local culture and the region’s ways of life.

With the creation of this Committee, the community will not simply be informed about the project. It will have a permanent and formal voice, helping to ensure that the wealth generated from the land is transformed into shared benefits for the region and for Portugal.

Source: AP Exata

Contact: Sergio Denicoli

Sergio@apexata.com

Mobile: +351 918 118 324