The Municipality of Aljustrel is the public institution responsible for managing the territory where the “Aljustrel tem uma Mina” route and the broader mining heritage initiatives are developed. Situated in the heart of the Alentejo, the municipality covers an area of 458 km² and includes several parishes with a rich history of both mining and rural life.
Over many decades, Aljustrel’s economy and identity have been deeply intertwined with mineral extraction, and the local administration has worked to confront and transform the environmental and social impacts left by historic mining. Through hydrological and environmental rehabilitation projects—often supported by European Union funds and regional development programmes—the municipality has relandscaped former mining areas and promoted their reuse for cultural, scientific, recreational and tourism purposes. These efforts culminated in the opening of the Parque Mineiro de Aljustrel in 2023, a space that preserves and interprets the region’s geological and industrial heritage while contributing to local economic vitality and sustainability.
In addition to infrastructure development, the Municipality of Aljustrel has integrated the mining route and related heritage into wider cultural and educational frameworks, collaborating with national guides and resources that promote the region’s geological and mining significance. Through its stewardship, the municipality fosters a living connection between past and present, enabling visitors and residents alike to understand and appreciate the deep historical roots of Aljustrel and its landscape.
