The Governing Council has acknowledged this initiative, which applies to projects by Atalaya Mining and Sandfire Matsa, under the framework of the Sustainable Mining Decree 15/2026, in force since March 13. The primary objective is to consolidate the mining and industrial ecosystem associated with these large facilities, considered strategic due to their production volume and job creation capacity.
These actions seek to promote specialization and economic diversification, as well as the development of local productive systems in the areas influenced by the mines. In the province of Huelva, both companies concentrate the majority of metallic mining activity, with a combined production exceeding 19 million tons annually and generating approximately 3,400 direct jobs.
Specifically, Atalaya Mining plans to process up to 15 million tons of ore annually, which translates into about 2,500 jobs. Meanwhile, Sandfire Matsa reaches 4.5 million tons and generates around 900 jobs. Both companies exceed the thresholds set by the Junta to be classified as large mining facilities.
The Ministry of Industry, Energy and Mines has already initiated the procedure for approving these plans. This process will include the creation of working groups where various stakeholders will participate, such as economic and social agents, professional associations, the Chamber of Commerce, local entities from affected areas, knowledge agents, the Aminer association, and the mining companies themselves.
These tables aim to involve different actors in the design, development, and evaluation of the plans, ensuring the territory's participation in mining activity planning. The geographical scope of action covers a large part of the mining regions of Huelva, including municipalities such as Minas de Riotinto, Nerva, El Campillo, Campofrío, Zalamea la Real, La Granada de Riotinto, and Berrocal for Atalaya Mining, in addition to Valverde del Camino and Beas as areas of influence. Sandfire Matsa's plan extends to Almonaster la Real, Cortegana, Calañas, El Cerro de Andévalo, La Zarza-Perrunal, and also Valverde del Camino.
The plans will be structured into five main lines of action, including economic and financial support measures to boost investments; initiatives to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the productive fabric; actions aimed at human capital development, with special attention to the incorporation of women; mechanisms to streamline administrative processing of projects; and tools for institutional coordination, communication, and governance.
In line with the Strategy for Sustainable Mining in Andalusia 2030, the plans also foresee promoting business cooperation and sector clusters, improving professional qualifications, strengthening socioeconomic benefits in the local environment, and supporting the internationalization of mining and auxiliary companies, with a special focus on SMEs.
