ZERO opposes new Aljustrel copper mine over transport and waste

Environmental group ZERO has issued a formal opinion opposing the environmental approval of the Gavião underground mine in Aljustrel, a €250 million project by ALMINA to produce 1.5 million tonnes of ore yearly. ZERO argues the impact study failed to assess rail transport alternatives to trucking concentrates to Setúbal and Huelva ports, and criticises the waste management plan, warning the existing tailings facility could reach capacity by 2033. It also flags inconsistent emissions and energy data, and says Portugal risks bearing environmental costs while higher-value copper processing happens abroad.