Daniel de Oliveira

   

Researcher / Head of Unit
LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia

BIO

Holds a BSc. (1989), BSc. (hons) (1990), MSc. (1994) and Ph.D. (2002); the latter in Economic Geology from the University of the Witwatersrand, Rep. South Africa. He has experience in deep underground mines of the Wits Gold Field, Bushveld Igneous Complex (Chrome and platinum) and has also worked on epithermal gold mines.
He has worked on several European and international research projects and since 2011 has held the position of head of the Mineral Deposit and Geophysics Research Unit at LNEG. During that time, he has been called upon to represent LNEG in several European fora and has been an invited expert of a variety of raw material related matters at the request of the European Union.
He has contributed actively to the European research landscape on Critical Raw Materials, particularly in the context of strategic autonomy and secure supply. He has participated in and led work within EU-funded initiatives focused on CRM exploration, metallogenesis, data harmonisation and resource assessment. His work has supported the development of pan-European mineral intelligence platforms and contributed to policy-relevant knowledge aligned with the EU's raw materials strategy.

Session 2
21 October 2025 / 11:30 - 13:00 | Lagoas hall

Critical Raw Materials in Portugal: A Strategic Vision from the Geological Survey

Portugal has become a key player in the exploration of Critical Raw Materials (CRM), which are vital for Europe’s green and digital transitions. With significant potential in lithium, tungsten, and rare earth elements, the country has intensified geological research to identify and assess CRM resources. LNEG plays a leading role in promoting responsible exploration and scientific transparency. It has advanced national and European initiatives, including the systematic mapping of prospective areas, harmonisation of geoscientific data, and active participation in the Geological Service for Europe (GSEU) project and the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI). To support knowledge transfer, LNEG provides open-access databases, scientific reports, and training opportunities. These dissemination efforts ensure that policymakers, industry, and the public have access to credible, up-to-date information. LNEG’s work is central to the national CRM strategy and contributes to securing a sustainable and resilient supply chain aligned with EU priorities supply security and strategic autonomy.