Gold in the Hills? Scientists believe Monchique Has It.
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The fragile ecosystem of the Monchique has a hotly contested issue: Gold. Not only are there several mining companies interested in looking for precious metals in the area, but the latest surveys indicate that future in depth looks for such resources lying below the topsoil have a very good chance of yielding such metals.
One of the more ecologically sound groups considering doing this research are the scientists from Algarve University. They have moved to draft projects that outline how and where they will search for evidence that gold, silver, and other precious minerals do exist in Monchique.
This project, titled “Valemon” seeks to sample 130 sites across the range, which then will be send to labs in Canada and Brazil for analysis. Once those samples have been tested for 32 different chemicals, the results will be then returned to the University where the long task of interpretation begins.
The push for the search is embedded in two factors: the similarities between the landmass that makes up Monchique and other gold-enriched areas across the globe and the previous find of microscopic gold particles discovered 5 years ago in the riverbed near Castro Marim. The geological formation that makes up the Monchique mountains is very similar to gold baring areas in China.
This important economic development, which includes Monchique as part of a larger canvassing area of 270 square kilometers in western Algarve under license with Maepa – Mineral and Investement Developments alone. Aljezur and Portimão are also being searched. They are seeking gold, silver, copper, lead, and zinc. Additionally, feldspar has become a valuable resource with two additional companies seeking to mine it in the region. These two companies have another 1,612 square meters staked out in claims.
Public opposition has been great to mining this area, which is famous for its pristine natural attractions and home to a wide range of endangered or rare plants and animals including the Iberian Lynx, wildcats, the Bonelli eagle, and a special, old, specimen of Magnolia. The range possesses a diverse range of habitats that cannot be easily restored after human meddling, according to such groups as A Rocha which are spearheading protests in regional developments that might harm the area.
Difficult economic times make it difficult to turn down the prospect of increased revenue that mining and quarrying in Monchique presents however. Not only does the promise of rare metals draw in the investors, but the rock itself, rare type of Syenite which is a volcanic origin and similar to granite, has both commercial and industrial uses.
Perhaps the threat of commercial cash crops like Eucalyptus trees that are replacing the native Cork and Chestnut trees needs to be kept in mind as a more pressing threat then mining. It is these quick cash threats that raise the issues of loss of diversity and wildfires. Mining and quarrying done correctly can have a minimal net impact on ecological diversity while infusing the local economy with jobs and renewed life.
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Published in: Portuguese Life