Quercus challenges Borralha Mine project over water risks

The environmental organization Quercus, alongside the Associação Povo e Natureza do Barroso, has filed a legal challenge to contest the reactivation and prospecting of the Borralha Mine in Montalegre. The lawsuit seeks to nullify the conditional Environmental Impact Statement issued by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

Opponents argue the project poses significant environmental risks to the Cávado river basin, which provides water resources for over one million people. Concerns include potential acid mine drainage, heavy metal contamination in soil and water, and inadequate hydrological studies. The proposed mining activity aims to extract 500,000 tons of raw materials annually, including tungsten, copper, and tin, while requiring a tailings facility with a capacity of 2.7 million tons.