Portugal funds €9.2 million mining restoration and €11 million business innovation under 2030 regional programmes

The Portuguese government announced two new investment initiatives under its 2030 regional operational programmes. In Alentejo, a €9.2 million environmental recovery project will rehabilitate former mining areas in Aljustrel (Beja district) and Lousal (Setúbal district). The effort, co‑financed with €7 million from the Alentejo 2030 fund and overseen by the Mining Development Company, includes sealing contaminated deposits, treating leachate water and restoring the landscape over a 12‑month period. Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho highlighted the project's role in renaturalising abandoned mine sites.

Separately, the Algarve 2030 programme opened a call for proposals worth €11 million to support productive investment and innovation among micro, small and medium enterprises. Of this amount, €4.4 million is earmarked for low‑density territories to promote territorial cohesion, population retention and economic diversification. Eligible expenses cover machinery, technology, software, marketing and engineering services, with funding covering up to 70 % of costs – rising to 90 % for certain industrial projects. Applications must involve a minimum investment of €300 000 and are accepted until 30 September.