The APA has consistently succeeded in all injunctions, and “all indications suggest that it will succeed in the injunction concerning Pisão,” stated Maria da Graça Carvalho in response to lawmakers’ questions during a hearing on the review of the State Budget for 2026.
In late September, environmental groups filed an injunction with the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Castelo Branco, seeking to annul the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA). The construction for the Crato Multiple Purposes Hydraulic Use Project – Pisão Dam is currently halted.
Regarding the proposed tungsten mining in Galicia, near the Portuguese border, the minister mentioned that APA has already expressed an interest in participating in the environmental impact study.
Last week, a group from Vinhais warned that the mining operation could contaminate the Rabaçal River and impact the Montesinho Natural Park. The municipality of Vinhais has also stated its opposition to the mining activity.
When questioned by lawmakers, the minister also expressed hope for the designation of another protected area, the dune of Salir do Porto, soon.
In February last year, the government announced a study to classify the largest dune in Portugal, located in Caldas da Rainha, as a protected area.
During today’s hearing, the minister also noted that a desalination plant to be constructed in Sines is intended for the industrial sector, funded by an industrial tariff, and may be able to forgo water supply from Alqueva.
Maria da Graça Carvalho also affirmed the government’s commitment to promoting energy transition but stated that solar power plants should not compete with areas of environmental, ecological, or biodiversity value, as well as forests or agricultural lands, or even landscapes. However, she added that many areas lacking such values are suitable for panel installations.
