Panasqueira Mine

Panasqueira Tin Tungsten Mine

In 1911 the Wolfram Mining and Smelting Company was formed and purchased all the rights to the concessions including the buildings, the equipment and 125 ha of rural land. In 1912, the new company made major investments in machinery and equipment, upgrading the Rio treatment plant and installing the first aerial 5,100m rope-tramway that brought the ore from different mining sites at Panasqueira to the Rio plant. In 1912, the production of wolframite concentrates was reportedly 267 tons of 65% WO3 mined by 244 workers from 10,791 tonnes of vein as well as 86,063 tonnes of host rock. World War I in 1914 saw a period of accelerated expansion and growth of the mining operation. The production rate was increased, the plant was enlarged and a tin furnace was installed. The number of workers at the mine increased to 800. In addition, the company allowed individuals to work small surface veins exposures workings in the concession area, an activity that involved approximately 1,000 people recovering small quantities of ore for sale back to the company. The hills surrounding the present day operation contain many old pits and shafts left from these small operations. From the end of the World War I to 1928, the mining activity was contingent on the price of tungsten. During this period of uncertainty in the tungsten price, the search and the recovery of tin was intensified. In 1927 approximately 110 tonnes of cassiterite concentrate as well as 190 tons of wolframite concentrate were produced. In 1928, the Wolfram Mining and Smelting Ltd. reorganized and changed its name to become Beralt Tin & Wolfram Company (the name, Beralt, being derived from Beira Alta, the local region). The tungsten price recovered in 1934 and stayed high through to the end of World War II. These were the years of peak production at the mine. Manpower increased from 750 workers in 1933 to 3,300 in 1940 and nearly 5,800 in 1943. Portugal was neutral during the war and the mine could count on a steady supply of workers and sales to both sides in the conflict. In addition, there were approximately 4,800 individual miners working the small veins on the surrounding hills. The tungsten price fell sharply again after the end of the war and only increased in 1950 due to the Korean conflict. Steady production was maintained with increased mechanization and increased production of tin and the introduction of the recovery of copper from the plant tailings. It was also during the 1950’s that the company recognized the importance of water quality and installed the water treatment plant at Salgueira, located one kilometre downstream from the main mining operations. Since 1974, the company has accelerated the mechanization of the underground operations in order to further reduce labour costs and changed the mining method from largely long wall stoping to more mechanized room and pillar method. The opening of a new inclined conveyor shaft from the deeper Level 2 began in 1977 and the extraction of ore from Level 2 began in 1982. In 1998 the remaining plant at Rio was moved and all milling consolidated at its present day site at Barroca Grande. A new underground shaft connecting Level 2 with Level 3, 90 meters in depth, was completed and a new 284 kW winch was installed. The complete shaft system with automated mine car handling began operating in April 1998. The concession lies in moderately rugged, pine and eucalyptus covered hills and valleys with elevations ranging from 350 metres in the southeast to a peak of 1,083 metres in the north-western corner of the concession. The climate is pleasant, with average temperatures of 24°C in July – August and 4°C in December. Rainfall is most common in November – January with seasonal averages of 200 mm in December to 10 mm in August. The Zezere River is the major source of water for the city of Lisbon, so the mine conducts constant water monitoring.

Discover The Vision

At Panasqueira, our vision is to reach new heights by unlocking the potential of L4, an extension with immense upside potential and minimal risk. Through meticulous planning and strategic initiatives, we are poised to transform geological insights into tangible economic benefits. The completion of a comprehensive scoping study has laid the groundwork for future development, and we are ready to move forward once financing is secured. Anticipated work on access ramps is expected to commence as early as Q1/2024, marking a significant milestone in our journey toward enhanced production capabilities.

Mission to Success

Our mission involves deepening existing mining infrastructure by 120 meters and strengthening crucial elements such as drainage, ventilation, and surface environmental facilities. By leveraging the existing surface equipment and following the orebody to depth, we ensure a low-risk profile while accessing richer vein zones. This strategic approach not only minimizes operational risks but also maximizes the potential for increased production and economic value. The transition to L4 promises higher-grade materials, potentially doubling WO3 production and extending the mine’s lifespan by over 20 years.

Highlights:

• Operational Continuity: Operating under a long-term exploitation permit until 2052, extendable for a further 30 years.
• Quality Output: Delivering high-grade concentrates free of arsenic, phosphors, thorium, and uranium, with a nearly 74% recovery rate.
• Strategic Importance: Playing a significant role in global tungsten supply, contributing to regional and international economies.
• Community Impact: Supporting the local economy and employment, with extensive mining, processing, and environmental infrastructures in place.
• Delegation Visit: The US Department of Commerce recently visited Panasqueira Mine, engaging in discussions about the planned L4 extension and recognizing Panasqueira’s strategic role in improving tungsten supply for the United States.