Prof. João Manuel
Xavier de Matos

João Manuel Xavier de Matos is a senior Portuguese geologist currently working at LNEG – the National Laboratory of Energy and Geology, based at the Aljustrel campus.

Specialized in mineral prospecting, metallogeny, hydrothermal alteration, and geochemistry, he has developed extensive experience in the study of environmental impacts of mining activities and in the enhancement of mining heritage. He was a member of the team that contributed to the discovery of the Lagoa Salgada ore deposit in 1992 and has participated in more than thirty national and European research and development projects.

He has also served as a lecturer at the Polytechnic Institute of Beja, teaching Geomorphology, General Geology, and Mineralogy. His contribution to the MINES.B Scientific Committee is fundamental for the scientific and geological understanding of historic mining sites across Europe.