The Mining Museum of Andorra hosted the presentation of the project Adding Value to the Land, led by Euroarce (Grupo SAMCA), which recently received first prize in the Added Value to Society category at the National Mining and Life Awards.
The main objective of Adding Value to the Land, as explained by Guillermo Luengo, Vice President of Grupo SAMCA, is to “demonstrate that industrial mining can serve as a driver of social progress, just as energy mining once did.” The project includes the implementation of multiple agreements with the Andorra–Sierra de Arcos Region and its local councils, as well as initiatives such as the refurbishment of homes in towns including Estercuel and Gargallo, and the creation of energy communities.
The investment is distributed as follows: €3.6 million allocated to social collaboration with local stakeholders; €4.5 million invested in geological research in partnership with the Dinópolis Foundation and the Palaeontology Area of the Geological and Mining Institute of Spain; and the largest commitment, €15 million, earmarked for the Faveker plant in Alcorisa.
The project also includes initiatives such as reforestation with traditional olive groves in collaboration with Apadrina un Olivo, the introduction of aromatic flowering species, the creation of favourable habitats for pollinators and butterflies, and the development of pastureland for livestock farming.
“Our involvement in the area dates back to 1948, when our grandfather began working here. Our vocation has always been to be one more neighbour, ready to support the community whenever needed. While the latest ‘Adding Value to the Land’ initiatives have been underway for the past five years, this public-private collaboration aimed at generating a positive impact is the model we seek to follow,” Luengo stated.
The presentation was attended by several institutional representatives, including Yolanda Vallés, Director General for Energy and Mining of the Government of Aragón; Naiara Loras, President of the Andorra–Sierra de Arcos Region; Luis Simal, Director of the Aragonese Institute for Environmental Management (INAGA); and the mayors of the different municipalities in the province of Teruel where mining, industrial, environmental, cultural, heritage and tourism initiatives are being carried out.
Yolanda Vallés, praised the initiative, highlighting its importance for the province: “It is one of the strongest companies we have in the province of Teruel and, as a group, one of the most important mining companies originating in Aragón.”