# Quercus environmental opposition to mining in Portugal

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/quercus-environmental-opposition-to-mining-in-portugal
> Updated: 2026-10-19T00:23:07.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

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

Opponents express concern regarding the project’s impact on the Cávado river basin, which serves more than one million people. Specific risks cited include heavy metal contamination, acid mine drainage, and insufficient hydrological studies. The proposed mining operation intends to extract 500,000 tons of materials annually, including copper, tin, and tungsten, and would necessitate a tailings facility with a 2.7 million ton capacity.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-19: Quercus challenges Borralha Mine project over water risks

Quercus and local associations are legally challenging the Borralha Mine project in Montalegre, citing risks to the Cávado river basin and water supplies for over one million people.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quercus-challenges-borralha-mine-project-over-water-risks

### 2026-09-25: Quercus opposes Galp wind farm project in Odemira and Ourique

Environmental group Quercus opposes Galp’s proposed 22-turbine Mira Wind Farm in Alentejo, citing land-use restrictions and risks to protected species and sensitive habitats.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/quercus-opposes-galp-wind-farm-project-in-odemira-and-ourique

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Cite as: Quercus environmental opposition to mining in Portugal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/quercus-environmental-opposition-to-mining-in-portugal