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Thousands March in Santiago Against Altri Pulp Project and Touro Mine

Opponents plan to ask EU authorities to revoke the project's new STEP certification, citing environmental risks.

Overview

  • Demonstrators filled central Santiago from the Alameda to the Praza do Obradoiro, chanting against the Altri plant in Palas de Rei and the reopening of the Mina de Touro.
  • Leaders from BNG and PSdeG, including Ana Pontón and Lara Méndez, joined the rally alongside local officials and environmental groups.
  • Protest organizers warned that reliance on eucalyptus and potential discharges threaten the Ulla river and the Ría de Arousa, which supplies drinking water to 11 municipalities and underpins local economies.
  • Opposition representatives said they will seek the revocation of the EU STEP seal for the project, alleging irregularities and inconsistencies with environmental impact findings.
  • Altri’s Greenfiber unit defended the proposal as innovative and sustainable, noting CINEA’s STEP recognition for the GAMA project and claims of significant emissions avoidance and cost efficiency.