Legislative and regulatory framework for the exploitation of mineral masses

The extractive industry in Portugal, although little known and publicized, is one of the most important contributors to the country’s wealth. One of the main branches of this activity, with particular emphasis on its impact on the environment and society, is quarrying. As imposed by the European Union and the Portuguese government, this type of activity is subject to an extensive and complex set of laws governing the sector, particularly with regard to the licensing of industrial activity and the exploitation of geological resources, CE marking for construction materials, hygiene, health and safety at work and environmental impact assessment. This work has compiled the main existing legislation in Portugal, organizing it into the categories mentioned above, with the main emphasis on the situation of quarries, with the aim of being a reference tool for entrepreneurs and professionals in the sector, making them aware of the increasingly demanding requirements imposed on a sector that is going through a crisis as a result of the current situation.