Avrupa Minerals Submits Mining License Application for Sesmarias VMS Project, Portugal

Avrupa Minerals Ltd. has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by formally submitting a Mining License Application for its Sesmarias copper-zinc volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) project to the Portuguese Mining Bureau (DGEG). The project, located in the northern portion of the highly prospective Iberian Pyrite Belt in Portugal, is 100% owned by the company, providing full control over development decisions and economics.

The submission of the MLA represents a crucial step in the project development timeline, transitioning from exploration and resource definition phases toward potential commercial mining operations. The Iberian Pyrite Belt is one of the world's most significant VMS districts, hosting numerous major copper-zinc deposits, which provides favorable geological context for the Sesmarias project.

This development positions Avrupa Minerals to potentially become a copper and zinc producer in Europe at a time when both metals are experiencing strong demand fundamentals driven by electrification trends and infrastructure development. The Portuguese regulatory framework for mining provides a stable jurisdiction for project development, though the permitting timeline will be subject to the DGEG's review process.

The successful advancement of Sesmarias to the mining license stage demonstrates management's ability to navigate complex regulatory requirements and positions the company for potential value creation as the project moves through the approval process. Investors will be monitoring the timeline for regulatory approval and any additional technical or environmental studies that may be required as part of the licensing process.