The National Laboratory of Energy and Geology (LNEG) has released new maps identifying 2,453 mineral deposits across mainland Portugal. The mapping relies primarily on archived data rather than on-the-ground verification, a methodology that has drawn criticism regarding the creation and efficacy of the new government agency overseeing these resources.
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The City Council approved a proposal to expand the city's Urban Rehabilitation Area (ARU), set to take effect on 1 January 2027. Properties within the ARU qualify for tax benefits, including a 6% reduced VAT rate on renovation works and exemptions from IMI (municipal property tax) and IMT (property transfer tax).
The manager of the 'Volta' packaging return system has presented a 14-point plan to the Minister of Environment, focusing on integrating the system with municipal waste management and encouraging the installation of collection kiosks for the hospitality sector. The scheme has reached a milestone of 500 million containers returned since its inception.
The government is preparing the 2027 State Budget, with opposition parties criticizing the expected lack of new support measures for inflation, fuel, or food costs. The official budget proposal is scheduled to be presented to Parliament on October 9, followed by a general debate on October 27-28, and a final vote on November 24.