A total of 64 mining companies are exploring deposits in the provinces of Seville and Huelva, with investments exceeding 3 billion euros. The EU considers 22 of the minerals present in Andalusia to be strategic.
The province of Seville has become one of the epicentres of the critical minerals boom in Spain. A total of 64 mining companies are currently conducting research and exploitation activities in the Seville territory and neighbouring Huelva, driven by the historic rise in copper prices and the demand for materials for the energy transition.
According to sector data, the committed investments in both provinces already exceed 3 billion euros. This figure includes both the expansion of existing mines and new extraction projects and treatment plants. Copper, which has surpassed 13,000 dollars per tonne for the first time, is the main attraction, but gold and other minerals linked to batteries, solar panels, and semiconductors are also included.
Andalusia has reserves of 22 of the 34 raw materials that the European Union considers critical for its strategic sovereignty. The European goal is to reduce dependence on China for the supply of these materials, which are essential for the new industry.
In the province of Seville, there are currently 31 active research permits, of which about one third are pending renewal. These are old operations that, with the current metal prices and new treatment technologies, have become profitable again. In Huelva, the active permits total 38, five of which are awaiting extension.
The already granted authorisations cover a total area of 141,970 hectares. Specifically, in Seville land, 2,268 mining grids have been granted — each covering about 30 hectares — while in Huelva they total 2,464.
The boom in the sector is also reflected in the pending applications. Across the region, there are 169 files in process: 81 correspond to the province of Seville and 88 to Huelva. These requests come from both large operators with mines in operation and 'senior' companies focused on discovering new veins.
The financing of these explorations, which can cost more than 20 million euros per project, has been facilitated by the entry of investment funds and the stock market listing of some companies. The bullish cycle of metals is expected to be long, encouraging companies to take the risk of exploration.
The impact of this mining boom extends to over a hundred municipalities in Andalusia. Andalusian mining already generates 35% of the national mining production value and directly employs around 8,000 people. In the province of Seville, activity is particularly concentrated in the northern area and in the Sierra region, where there have historically been operations.
Innovation in mineral treatment processes is also driving the sector. New technologies allow for the extraction of every last ounce of what is mined, making previously unprofitable operations viable. This has led many companies to apply for permits in areas that have already been exploited in the past.
The regional and state administrations are closely monitoring the development of these projects, which they consider key to Europe's green reindustrialisation strategy. However, mining activity also generates social debate in some regions due to its environmental impact.
Looking to the future, forecasts indicate that the number of applications will continue to grow as metal prices remain high. The province of Seville, with its geological wealth and mining tradition, is poised to be a significant player in supplying critical minerals for the EU.
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