# EU strategic tungsten mining projects

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/eu-strategic-tungsten-mining-projects
> Updated: 2026-10-09T09:40:34.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

The European Union is advancing strategic projects to secure its supply of critical raw materials, specifically focusing on tungsten extraction to support defense, aerospace, and technology sectors.

In Spain, the ‘El Moto’ tungsten mine in Abenójar has commenced operations. Operated by Abenójar Tungsten (ABT), the project includes the establishment of a transformation and refining plant in Puertollano to ensure mineral processing remains within Spanish territory. The initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs and contributes to the strategic autonomy of Spain and Europe.

Similarly, the European Commission has selected the Borralha Mine Project in Portugal as a strategic project. This initiative involves the reactivation of an old mine in Montalegre to extract tungsten, copper, and tin concentrates. These developments align with EU targets to diversify supply chains and reduce dependence on single suppliers for strategic resources.

## Claims

- The European Commission selected 46 new strategic projects across 16 Member States to strengthen the supply of critical raw materials. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Borralha Mine Project in Portugal is promoted by Minerália - Minas, Geotecnia e Construções, Lda. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Borralha Mine Project focuses on the underground extraction of tungsten, copper, and tin. (reported by 3 sources)
- The Borralha Mine Project is located in the parish of Salto, municipality of Montalegre, in the Barroso region of Portugal. (reported by 3 sources)
- The European Union aims to ensure by 2030 that at least 10% of its annual consumption of strategic raw materials comes from extraction. (reported by 3 sources)
- The EU aims to secure 40% of strategic raw material consumption through processing and 25% through recycling by 2030. (reported by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-09: Borralha Mine Project selected as EU strategic mining project

The European Commission selected Portugal's Borralha Mine Project as a strategic initiative to secure critical raw materials like tungsten, copper, and tin for the EU's defense and aerospace sectors.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/borralha-mine-project-selected-as-eu-strategic-mining-project

### 2026-09-18: Abenójar tungsten mine begins operations as strategic EU project

The 'El Moto' tungsten mine in Abenójar has begun operations, a strategic EU project aimed at securing critical mineral supplies for defense and technology while creating hundreds of jobs in Spain.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/abenjar-tungsten-mine-begins-operations-as-strategic-eu-project

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Cite as: EU strategic tungsten mining projects. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/eu-strategic-tungsten-mining-projects