Panasqueira Mines
Portugal
Couto Mineiro da Panasqueira, Covilhã, Distrito de Castelo Branco, Portugal
Key Information
Do not enter mining areas without proper authorization.
The Panasqueira Mines are in Covilhã, Portugal, a key tin-tungsten site with a rich history.
They produce rare minerals like ferberite and panasqueiraite, attracting crystal enthusiasts.
The mines feature complex geology with quartz veins in schist, formed by ancient metamorphism.
Mining started in 1898, peaking during WWII, and continues today under Almonty Industries.
The area has a Mediterranean climate, with pine forests and environmental measures for the Zêzere River.
Geographic Location
The Panasqueira Mines are located in the Covilhã municipality of the Castelo Branco district, central Portugal, between the Serra do Açor and Gardunha mountain ranges. The site spans 1,913 hectares, with elevations from 360 meters at the Zêzere River to 1,086 meters at Chiqueiro, offering a rugged, scenic backdrop. Nearby villages like Barroca Grande and São Jorge da Beira add to its charm for enthusiasts exploring the region.
Minerals Produced
This mine is a treasure trove for crystal collectors, known for tungsten (wolframite) and tin (cassiterite), with 128,110 tons and 6,576 tons produced since 1934, respectively. It’s famous for rare finds like ferberite, arsenopyrite, and fluorapatite, with panasqueiraite and thadeuite being type localities. Other minerals, such as topaz and fluorite, make it a must-visit for unique specimens.
Geological Structure
The mines sit in the Central Iberian Zone, with mineralization in sub-horizontal quartz veins within greywacke schist, linked to ancient metamorphism and Variscan granite. The zone is 2,500 meters long, 400–2,200 meters wide, and at least 500 meters deep, offering a fascinating study of geological processes for enthusiasts.
Mining History
Mining began in 1898, with official registration in 1896, and peaked during WWII with 10,540 workers in 1943. It’s been nearly continuous, owned by various companies, and now operated by Almonty Industries since 2016, with plans extending to 2052. Its WWII role in supplying tungsten to both sides adds an unexpected historical layer.
Local Culture and Characteristics
Panasqueira is integral to local identity in Beira Interior, with museums like the Village of Saint Francis de Assisi showcasing its heritage. It supports the economy, with collections in global institutions like the Natural History Museum London (>100 crystals), reflecting its cultural significance.
Climate and Ecology
The Mediterranean climate features 24°C summers and 4°C winters, with 200 mm rainfall in December. The landscape includes pine and eucalyptus, and environmental efforts, like a 2.52 MW solar project and water treatment for the Zêzere River, ensure sustainability, an unexpected focus for a mining site.