Spain reopens Penuta mine in Galicia for EU minerals and local hiring

Spain has granted Energy Transition Minerals (ETM) permission to reactivate the Penuta mine in the Galician region after more than four decades of inactivity. The mine, which once operated from the early 20th century until the 1980s, will become the European Union’s sole domestic source of the critical minerals tantalum and niobium.

ETM says the project will prioritise local residents for new jobs, retain experienced regional staff and provide extensive training. The plan foresees about 500 direct positions and over 2,000 indirect jobs. Over €3 million in concession payments will be transferred directly to local municipalities, raising their budgets by roughly 40 %. The company will work closely with local authorities, business groups and civil‑society organisations.

The reopening supports the EU’s broader strategy to lessen dependence on distant suppliers of essential metals, enhancing supply‑chain resilience while delivering economic benefits to the Galicia region.