The article, titled “From the Subsoil to the Project: Portugal Prepares for a New Mining Cycle” and released by Engeobras on October 12, 2026, discusses the potential of national mineral resources. The publication emphasizes the significance of geological knowledge for the characterization and evaluation of these resources.
Featuring input from Daniel de Oliveira, Coordinator of LNEG's Mineral Resources and Geophysics Unit, the text underscores the importance of deepening the understanding of Portugal's subsoil. This is particularly crucial given the increasing demand for critical raw materials, essential for the energy transition, electrification, and digitalization.
In this context, the National Prospecting Program 2025-2030 holds particular relevance. This program aims to enhance the geological knowledge of the territory through the acquisition, integration, and dissemination of geoscientific information. Aligned with the European Critical Raw Materials Act, the program helps reduce uncertainty associated with assessing the country's mineral potential.
Daniel de Oliveira stated that "there remains vast unexplored and unquantified mineral potential in Portugal," especially at depth and concerning resources of growing economic and strategic importance.
