Rare deposits have been identified in Portugal, which could position the country as a strategic protagonist and transform the national and European future.

The relevance of rare minerals in the development of cutting-edge technologies has been gaining prominence globally. Until now, the focus has been on regions like Ukraine or market-dominant powers like China. However, four rare deposits have been identified in Portugal.

These discoveries could position Portugal as a strategic player in this scenario, with the potential to transform the future of the country and Europe.

According to MiningWatch Portugal, an independent network monitoring the extractive industry in the country, cited by elEconomista, the Alentejo is home to at least four rare earth deposits near the border with Estremadura. These reserves are located in Monforte-Tinoca, Assumar, Crato-Arronches and Penedo Gordo.

In the case of Monforte, Iberian Resources Portugal has already secured a prospecting and research contract to explore the site, where, in addition to rare earths, valuable minerals such as gold, silver, lead, zinc, tungsten/wolfram and tin have been identified.

In Assumar, the same company submitted a request for prospecting and investigation, also covering similar minerals. This process is joined by the contract for prospecting and investigation of tombs located in Crato and Arronches.

As for the Penedo Gordo, the request for prospecting and investigation was presented by the company Acúrcio Henriques Parra. In this area, the presence of rare earths has been confirmed, in addition to other minerals of interest, such as zirconium, hafnium, titanium, niobium, tantalum, yttrium and scandium, among others, the same source explains.