The document, signed on October 28, states that the granting of prospecting and exploration rights for metallic mineral deposits of gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, tin, tungsten, tantalum, rare earths and associated minerals, with the name “Assumar”, refers to an area of the municipalities of Portalegre, Monforte, Arronches, Crato, Alter do Chão and Fronteira.
The company was granted prospecting and exploration rights to these metallic minerals, on an exclusive basis, across an area of over 266.6 square kilometres.
It is mentioned that the company had to provide a financial guarantee of 25 thousand euros in the form of a deposit at the Treasury and Public Debt Management Agency (IGCP).
The contract has a term of three years, from the date of signature, and may be extended for two years only once, by order of DGEG, provided that the company has complied with legal and contractual obligations and delivered the duly substantiated extension request up to 45 days before the end of the term of the contract.
During the term of the contract, the clause referring to the mandatory minimum investments establishes that the company is obliged to invest 300 thousand euros in the execution of prospecting and research work programs, and another 150 thousand euros in the execution of works mentioned in the period of extension.
The contract also mentions that during its term the company will have to pay DGEG a fixed annual charge of 13,500 euros, to be paid during the first three months of each contractual period.
Why is there no mention of the environmental damage such mining is very likely to do? You spout a lo5 if stats from some press release, but there’s nothing here about a public consultation or any process of gaining approval or subsequent reviews to ensure the safety of the public, absence of pollution or later clean-up of mining sites. Not good enough. You run a confused piece about lithium mining, but ignore the fallout from these large operations. Why?
By Jude Irwin from Beiras on 08 Nov 2021, 08:00
All government entities and private companies regarding extraction and modifications to existing lands should provide an environmental impact statement for a review period before any start up begins.
By Don Kraus from Porto on 09 Nov 2021, 11:49
Mining is good it'll bring jobs for the local people, also will be good indirectly in helping the local economy. More restaurants, taxis, buses, people need to eat, they need transportation , probably a place to live or sleep if they come from other places to work in the mines, it's a win win situation. More money into the local economy.
By Tony from Other on 09 Nov 2021, 13:06