Urgeiriça Mines

Urgeiriça is a village in Portugal, located in the parish of Canas de Senhorim, in the municipality of Nelas, district of Viseu. The village is known for its radium and uranium mines, which were in operation from 1913 until 2001. The mines were a significant part of the local economy and history, contributing to the development of the village.

Transition from Mining to Residential Area

In 1993, the plant began selling the homes of the workers to individuals. This marked a significant shift in the history of the village, as it transitioned from a mining community to a residential area. However, in 2008, studies revealed that 135 homes had higher than acceptable radiation levels, highlighting the lasting impact of the mines on the local environment.