Uranium mining in Portugal: a review of the environmental legacies of the largest mines and environmental and human health impacts

The history of uranium mining in Portugal during almost one century has followed international demand peaks of both radium and uranium, driven by medical, military, and civil applications. Following a price drop in the 1980s, mining activities decreased and ceased in 2001, presenting the current challenge of addressing the environmental legacies left by abandoned uranium mines, primarily located in the Viseu and Guarda districts. The Portuguese government assumed the remediation costs of these areas for environmental safety and public health protection. This study details assessments of environmental and public health risks associated with radiological and chemical exposures from metals and radionuclides, particularly high at old milling facilities and mines where in situ and heap leaching of low-grade ore occurred. Various studies involving humans and non-human species revealed significant effects on biological organization and ecosystem services. To mitigate these risks, environmental rehabilitation at the Urgeirica mine complex is nearly complete, while efforts at Cunha Baixa mine are underway, demonstrating the progress made in environmental improvement and safety.