Anadia council rejects mining prospection over water supply risks

The Anadia municipal council has issued a negative opinion on a request by company Aldeia S.A. to prospect for silica sand and special clay deposits across more than 150 hectares in the "Toutedo N2" area, approved at the 23 July council meeting. The zone, covering parts of Vila Nova de Monsarros and neighbouring parishes, contains a water main, a reservoir and the Rio da Serra catchment, which feeds two intakes supplying Anadia's urban area, its hospital and social solidarity institutions. The council also cited risks to public health from dust and contaminated water, impacts on wildlife and residents, and the potential loss of forested land that makes up about 95% of the site.