A land with a strong mining tradition
Galicia has a long mining tradition, deeply rooted in many of its regions. Over generations, numerous families have been connected to this activity, contributing to a strong base of knowledge in the sector and a clear understanding of its importance for job creation and economic development.
In places such as Ourense, this connection to mining forms part of the local history. The development of the San Juan tungsten project builds on this tradition, with the aim of continuing an activity that has been part of the region’s economic and social fabric for decades.
An industry with a strong presence in the Galician economy
Today, Galicia has a well-established and diversified mining sector. The region is a leader in Spain in several key mineral raw material segments. Notably, Galicia is the world’s leading producer of roofing slate, as well as a major producer of ornamental granite, industrial quartz, ceramic clays, and various metallic minerals such as tungsten and tin. Many of these materials are exported to dozens of countries and form part of international industrial value chains.
Mining activity generates thousands of direct and indirect jobs in Galicia and supports a broad network of companies, professionals, and services linked to the extraction, processing, and commercialization of mineral resources. According to sector estimates (2025), mining in Galicia accounts for more than 4,000 direct jobs and contributes hundreds of millions of euros annually to the regional economy, playing a significant role in industrial development and in supporting many rural areas.
In addition, sectors such as slate and granite have established Galicia as an international reference in natural stone, with a strong export orientation and a highly specialized supporting industry.
Tungsten in Galicia’s history
Tungsten holds a prominent place in Galicia’s mining history. During the 20th century, particularly in the context of the two World Wars, its extraction in different parts of the region became highly significant due to its use in industrial and technological applications.
Today, tungsten is once again in the international spotlight. Its exceptional physical properties — such as extreme hardness and heat resistance — make it an irreplaceable material essential for strategic sectors ranging from technology and energy to aerospace and defence.
For this reason, tungsten is now considered a critical raw material for Europe, playing a key role in industrial development and in ensuring the security of supply for the modern economy.
A strategic focus for the future
The Xunta de Galicia considers mining a strategic sector for the region’s economic development. Through the Axenda de Impulso da Minería Sostible de Galicia 2030 (AMSG 2030), the regional government aims to modernize the mining industry, promote workplace safety, and ensure that the value generated from natural resources benefits the local territory.
This strategy is also framed within the broader European context of critical raw materials, which are essential for sectors such as the sustainability transition, electric mobility, and advanced technologies. Galicia hosts many of the critical minerals identified by the European Union, reinforcing its role as a relevant region in the supply of strategic minerals for Europe, always under strict environmental and social standards.
Galicia and San Juan – mining tradition with a forward-looking vision
Within this context, the San Juan tungsten project is being developed. Our objective is to establish a modern mining operation based on responsible mining principles, with a strong focus on environmental protection, people’s safety, and value creation for the local area.
At the same time, the project aims to contribute to strengthening Europe’s supply of tungsten, a critical raw material for many strategic industries. In this way, San Juan seeks to combine Galicia’s long mining tradition with the industrial and technological needs of 21st-century Europe.