After a decade of research and an investment of 25 million euros, the Oropesa Project in Fuente Obejuna has defined tin reserves estimated at nearly 16 million tons. Led by Mespa, the national subsidiary of Australian firm Elementos Limited since 2020, production is expected to commence by the end of 2027, nearly two decades after obtaining the first exploitation permit in 2008.

This initiative, the only one of its kind in Europe, will revitalize large-scale mining in the Alto Guadiato region. It is expected to strengthen the strategic tin supply within the European Union, with an estimated annual production capacity of 3,350 tons of tin contained in the concentrate, representing nearly 10% of the EU's annual consumption and 1% of global production.

According to Mespa's calculations, the mine has an estimated lifespan of 13 years, with a total production of 35,550 tons. The plan is to extract 1.25 million tons of ore annually, processing one million to generate 5,400 tons of concentrate. Additionally, resources of 23.7 million tons of zinc have been identified, further enhancing the overall value of the operation.

The project is situated within a context of growing demand for tin, with an anticipated annual increase of 3%. This metal is crucial for electronic applications, including circuits, semiconductors, and batteries, and its importance will be amplified by the electrification of the economy, particularly in electric vehicles and solar panels. It is estimated that an additional 60,000 tons per year will be needed to meet demand forecasts for 2030.

In conjunction with the International Tin Conference in Seville, Minas de Estaño de España hosted an international delegation of global tin industry representatives in Fuente Obejuna. The objective was to showcase the progress of the Oropesa Project to researchers, mining operators, smelters, traders, and buyers.

Attendees were given a firsthand look at a modern and responsible tin mining project, designed with efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability criteria within the European regulatory framework. The visit also included a tour of the historic Riotinto copper mine, operated by Atalaya Mining.