João Rui Ferreira - keynote
LISBON, 21 October – Opening the MINEX Europe Forum in Lisbon, João Rui Ferreira, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Economy, delivered a compelling call to action for the European mining sector. Addressing an audience of industry leaders and policymakers, Ferreira outlined Portugal’s strategy for “green reindustrialization” and emphasized the urgent need for Europe to accelerate its strategic autonomy regarding critical raw materials.
Here are the key takeaways from the Secretary of State’s opening address.
The Urgency of European Competitiveness
Ferreira struck a serious tone regarding the pace of European legislation. Citing the recent Mario Draghi report on European competitiveness, he noted that while the message regarding the need for industrial strength is clear, “Europe is not moving very fast.”
While acknowledging frameworks like the Critical Raw Materials Act and the Net Zero Industry Act, Ferreira argued that the debate has shifted:
“The question is no longer whether Europe can do it, but how quick and how decisive we can deliver.”
Portugal’s “Green Reindustrialization”
The Secretary of State positioned Portugal not just as a source of raw materials, but as a hub for an integrated value chain. He highlighted Portugal’s unique value proposition:
- Abundant Natural Resources: A rich geological profile suitable for the energy transition.
- Renewable Leadership: The ability to power mining and processing with clean, affordable, and secure energy.
- Skilled Workforce: A resilient industrial base ready to adapt.
Geopolitics and Strategic Autonomy
The presentation addressed the “changing global landscape” directly, specifically referencing recent moves by China. Ferreira noted that China’s new export controls on rare earth elements and extraction technologies serve as a stark reminder of Europe’s vulnerability.
He argued that these geopolitical disruptions prove the necessity of the European Commission’s push to extract, process, and recycle more materials within the continent to ensure stability for European industries.
Domestic Growth and Bureaucracy Reduction
Ferreira shared positive data regarding the Portuguese mining sector, which is currently modernizing and expanding.
- Sector Growth: Production increased by 2.1% in 2024.
- Market Value: The sector has reached a total market value of over €580 million.
To sustain this growth, the government pledged a clear focus on simplification and cutting bureaucracy for entrepreneurs, alongside a commitment to respecting local communities. Ferreira stressed that the government aims to be an “open platform for dialogue,” ensuring that industrial growth respects local concerns.
A Call for Collaboration
The speech concluded with a vision of unity. Ferreira invited delegates to use the MINEX Forum to “challenge assumptions” and “inspire new cooperations,” asserting that Portugal is ready to lead by example.
“Portugal is ready to do its part, ready to help shape Europe’s industrial transformation, and ready to prove that sustainability, competitiveness, and communities can move forward together.”