The Mineral Deposit Maps of Portugal have been developed over several years of collection, processing, validation, and integration of geoscientific information by the LNEG. The Mineral Deposit Map of Portugal at a scale of 1:200,000, consisting of eight sheets, was primarily based on the SIORMINP (System of Portuguese Mineral Occurrences and Resources), representing over 2400 mineral deposits with information on location, mineral substances, mineralogical associations, size, productions, tonnages, genetic typology, and morphology. Each sheet includes explanatory notes.
With the completion of the eight sheets, the Mineral Deposit Map of Portugal at a scale of 1:500,000 was also produced, a national synthesis of the gathered information. These maps represent the accumulated knowledge on Portugal's mineral resources, taking on particular importance in the current context of the energy and digital transition and industrial development, where geological and subsurface knowledge is central to strategic decisions.
Knowing the existing resources, their location, and characteristics is fundamental for assessing the territory's mineral potential and making informed decisions. This mission is central to a State Laboratory and a Geological Service, which must produce, preserve, update, and make available independent, quality geoscientific knowledge about the national territory. The maps materialize this mission, serving as a starting point for new research, responsible prospecting and valorization of geological resources, land-use planning, and decision-making based on scientific knowledge.
