Mining Regions and Cities Case of Andalusia, Spain
Andalusia is the largest mining producer in Spain, the second-largest copper producer in the EU and a leader in marble and gypsum production. The region benefits from two distinct mining subsectors, each with a rich network of suppliers that are relevant for local development: the metallic mining sector (e.g. copper and zinc), which accounts for most of the regional mining production, and the non-metallic sector (ornamental rocks, aggregates and industrial minerals), which is highly dispersed across the territory. The regional mining value chain has the potential to leverage the increasing global and EU demand for sustainable raw materials and thus become a frontrunner in leading technologies and circular processes for environmentally sustainable mining. This study identifies how Andalusia can build on its strengths and address current and future challenges to improve regional productivity and well-being while accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy and assisting EU climate goals.
A new mining strategy to make Andalusia a frontrunner on sustainable mining
The chapter starts with an overview of the relevant international and national policy framework for mining development in Andalusia, emphasising the need for a national mining strategy to support a sound mining value chain in Spain and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Then, it analyses Andalusia’s mining policy and provides recommendations to make the updated regional mining strategy a powerful tool to help Andalusia become a frontrunner in sustainable raw material technologies and practices to support the European climate neutrality goal and increase local well-being.