Andalusia prepares €3 billion investment in new mining projects

The Mining and Minerals Hall (MMH) 2026 has commenced in Seville, highlighting Andalusia's role as a major mining hub. The region currently accounts for 34% of Spain's total mining production value, driven by minerals such as copper, zinc, lead, silver, fluorite, strontium, and marble.

New mining projects in the region are expected to bring nearly €3 billion in investment and create approximately 5,000 direct and indirect jobs, primarily in Huelva, Seville, Granada, and Córdoba. Key projects identified include Las Cruces, Minera Los Frailes, Atalaya, Minas de Alquife, and Minas de Estaño.

Minera Los Frailes, a subsidiary of Grupo México, has invested €5.5 million in geological and geotechnical studies to prepare for the reopening of the Aznalcóllar mine. The first phase of this project involves €450 million, with €350 million allocated to underground work and a mineral treatment plant. Additionally, Aqualia Industrial has been awarded a €50 million contract for a water treatment plant designed to reuse over 80% of the water.

Andalusia holds 22 of the 34 critical raw materials defined by the EU. Currently, there are 73 active mining research permits across 80 municipalities as companies seek to locate approximately 50 different mineral substances.