Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Tungsten is an essential metal for many modern technologies. It is used in industrial tools, electronics, renewable energy, medical equipment, aerospace, and defence. Due to its unique properties, it is very difficult to substitute in many applications.

Currently, most of the world’s tungsten is produced outside Europe. The European Union considers this metal a critical raw material because it is essential for industry and technology. Projects like San Juan help strengthen European supply and reduce dependence on third countries.

It is often argued that the minerals we depend on should be extracted “somewhere else.” This is commonly known as NIMBY (Not In My Backyard): accepting the use of resources, but preferring that extraction takes place far from our own surroundings.

The reality is that modern society depends on minerals to manufacture mobile phones, infrastructure, renewable energy systems, vehicles, and medical equipment. If these resources are not produced in Europe, they must be imported from other regions.

Producing minerals in Europe means doing so under some of the strictest environmental, labour, and social standards in the world. It reduces external dependency while ensuring responsible production — and at the same time creates jobs and economic activity locally.

The real question is not only where minerals are extracted, but under what conditions. Projects like San Juan aim to demonstrate that responsible mining in Europe is both possible and necessary.

The project is currently at an advanced stage of development. If everything progresses as planned, the objective is to begin tungsten concentrate production in 2027.

The project can contribute to job creation, economic activity, and new opportunities for local businesses. It also prioritises working with regional suppliers whenever possible, ensuring that value is created within the territory.

The project is expected to generate around one hundred direct and indirect jobs during its operational phase, in addition to further employment during construction and development.

Industry experience shows that each direct mining job typically generates three to four additional jobs in the local economy, across areas such as transport, maintenance, services, retail, and equipment supply. This means the project’s economic impact can extend well beyond the mine itself.

Mining in Europe is subject to some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world. The San Juan Project includes specific plans for water management, soil protection, dust control, and environmental restoration, and has received an approved Environmental Impact Assessment from the Xunta de Galicia.

The processing plant is designed to operate with a closed-loop water system, allowing water used in the process to be reused. In addition, drainage systems and sediment control measures are in place to protect nearby watercourses.

As with any industrial activity, some dust and noise may be generated, but specific measures are in place to control them. These include watering roads to reduce dust and careful planning of operations to minimise disturbance.

The project includes an environmental restoration plan approved by the authorities. Land recovery will be carried out progressively throughout the life of the mine, ensuring that affected areas can be reintegrated into the natural environment.

The project maintains open communication channels with the community. Residents can take part in information meetings, contact the project team, or use the suggestion box available on this website.

Water protection is a key priority. The processing plant will operate using a closed-loop system, meaning process water is reused without discharge into rivers or streams. In addition, drainage systems, settling ponds, and regular environmental monitoring ensure water resources are protected.

No. The San Juan Project is designed to operate without blasting. The characteristics of the deposit allow extraction using conventional machinery, significantly reducing noise, vibrations, and environmental impact.

Transport is part of any mining operation, but the project has been designed to optimise logistics and minimise additional traffic. Vehicle movement will be regulated and carried out in accordance with applicable safety and traffic regulations.

Modern society depends on minerals to produce technology, infrastructure, renewable energy, vehicles, and industrial equipment. The key question is not whether these resources are needed, but where and under what conditions they are produced.

The reality is that we need minerals and metals for modern life. If Europe chooses not to develop mining projects within its own territory, these resources will still be extracted elsewhere — often under far less stringent environmental and labour standards.

Producing raw materials in Europe means doing so under some of the strictest environmental, social, and labour regulations in the world, with public oversight, transparency, and community participation. Projects like San Juan aim to do exactly that: produce essential materials responsibly while creating local jobs and economic development.

Recycling is a fundamental part of a more resource-efficient economy and must continue to grow. However, recycling alone cannot meet the full demand for raw materials required by modern society.

There is a simple idea that captures this reality: “If it can’t be grown, it must be mined.” Today, this idea must evolve: if it can’t be grown, it must be mined — or recycled, repaired, reused, or reduced wherever possible.

Recycling plays an important role, but it also has limits. Materials must first exist in the economy before they can be recycled, and many products remain in use for decades, delaying their return to the recycling cycle.

For this reason, even in a highly circular economy, mining will remain necessary. The key is ensuring that it is carried out responsibly, under the highest environmental and social standards.

Mining, like any industrial or human activity, has an impact on the environment. It would not be realistic to claim that this impact is zero. The real question is how that impact is managed and minimised.

Today, mining projects in Europe operate under some of the strictest environmental regulations in the world. Before any activity begins, detailed studies and permits are required, establishing strict conditions for how operations must be carried out.

In addition, the project includes comprehensive environmental management plans from the outset, covering water management, archaeological oversight, soil protection, dust control, and land restoration. These measures are applied and monitored throughout the entire life of the mine.

The goal of modern mining is not to ignore its impact, but to manage it responsibly, minimise it as much as possible, and progressively restore the environment as the project advances.