Andalusia expands exploration for 27 strategic minerals

Andalusia has entered a new phase of mineral exploration, with 73 active research permits distributed across 80 municipalities in all eight provinces. These investigations aim to locate approximately 50 different mineral substances, including 27 identified by the European Union as strategic or critical for the energy transition and industrial development.

Key target minerals include lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries, electronics, and renewable energy technologies. The activity is concentrated heavily in Huelva, which holds 38 permits, followed by Seville with 12, Córdoba with 8, and Almería and Jaén with 6 each.

The exploration highlights the potential of the Faja Pirítica Ibérica, one of the world’s major regions for massive polymetallic sulfides. These permits represent an early stage of research involving geological analysis, geophysical studies, and drilling to determine viability. The initiative aligns with the Sustainable Mining Strategy for Andalusia 2030, aiming to reduce European dependence on third-party countries for essential raw materials.