Vale de
Gaios
What's Happening?
Minas de Cassiterite Sobreda, S.A. has requested from DGEG (process MN/PPP/535) prospecting and research rights for quartz and feldspar in an area initially called 'Vale de Gaios' and now 'Tábua'. Previous petition materials indicated about 22 km², covering Midões, Póvoa de Midões, Tábua, Candosa, and Vila Nova de Oliveirinha and Covas.
This is a prospecting request, not an approved mine. But prospecting is the first step towards exploration, and residents want answers before any work begins.
In the 2023 public consultation, all 254 submissions were against the project, with concerns about our rivers and springs, agriculture, tourism, health, and how the process was conducted. The Póvoa de Midões Parish Council also opposed it.
Come to the public sessions, ask your questions, and help protect our land. Together we are stronger.
Timeline
24/01/2022
01/08/2023
27/09/2023
Entities consulted
Petition launched
Public consultation opens
Public bodies issue opinions on the request. Infraestruturas de Portugal states that it was unable to open the files or locate the project.
Residents launch a petition against the prospecting request in the Vale de Gaios area.
The DGEG opens the request for public participation until November 10, 2023.
10/11/2023
03/2024
03/09/2026
Consultation closes
DGEG Report
Returns as "Tábua"
254 submissions received: 251 from individuals and 3 from entities.
The consultation report concludes that all submissions opposed the project. The report is not a decision on the application.
The same request (MN/PPP/535) reappears with the new name "Tábua".
07/10/2026
20/11/2026
27/11/2026
Session in Sevilha
Session in Póvoa de Midões
Session in Candosa
First public clarification session, at the Sevilha Recreational and Cultural Association.
At 19:00, at the Póvoa de Midões Recreational Association. Come and ask your questions.
At 18:30, at the Candosa Cultural and Recreational Center.
Upcoming Clarification Sessions
Attend, get informed, ask questions, give your opinion!
Póvoa de Midões
20/11/2026 · 19:00
Candosa
27/11/2026 · 18:30
How You Can Help
This request concerns us for the health of our rivers and our water, for the livelihood of our families, and for the soul of our community. Join us in defending our land.
• Signing the petition takes seconds: you only need your name and NIF (Tax ID).
• Any contribution for lawyers, printing flyers, etc., is very welcome.
• Join the WhatsApp group to stay up to date with all the news.
• Offer your time or expertise, in person or remotely.
• Download our materials (flyers, posters, and timelines) and help spread the word.
Click the buttons below and help in any way you can!
Our land
Get to know our land
Rivers, forests, trails and villages: this is the landscape we want to protect. Photos from our area.
