Metal exploration, mining and metallurgy in Aljustrel began in the late 3rd millennium B. C., during the Copper Age.

The Aljustrel Mines, Integrated in the Iberian Pyrite belt, are one of the main sulphide deposits and were explored in an organized manner since Roman times, although they acquired greater expression after World War II.

The Societé Anonyme Belge de Mines d’Aljustrel, Belgian company, operated the mine with several shareholder structures until its nationalization in 1975.

In the 80’s, the mine searched for new ways. It initiated studies of the valorization of its ores in order to promote productions of the non-ferrous base metals contained therein, thus adding greater value to their productions. With the CPP - Concentrated Production Project, in 1991, the capacity to produce copper and zinc concentrates as well as floated pyrite was added to the industrial processing plant.

Work was suspended in 1993 due to technical and economical reasons. Between 2000 and 2006 several projects were developed and in mid 2006 the mine resumed its activity in Aljustrel with the redefinition of the mining lease area with the Portuguese State.

Two years later, in November 2008, the activity was suspended once again, due to the global financial crisis.

Subsequently, the Portuguese Group I’M Mining S.G.P.S., S.A. acquires the company, altering its corporate name to ALMINA - MINAS DO ALENTEJO, S.A.