The mining complex of Braçal (that includes the mines of Braçal, Mines of Malhada and Mines of Coval da Mó) is located in the area of river Mau, on the East hillside of the Braçal mountain, and has allowed for one of the biggest mining deposits exploitation in the Aveiro region. The operation started in the mines of Braçal in 1836, ending in 1918; in 1943 recommenced, extending it to the mines of Malhada (further north) and remained in operation until 1972, when it came to have more than 700 workers. The mines of the Braçal explored hydrothermal veins rich in lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and silver (Ag). The lead was the main product extracted at this mining complex.
The river Mau, which crosses the Mines of Braçal, is a tributary of the Vouga River and has a lush flora, where the forest is abundant and the ferns and moss paint the river bed in shades of green. The woods mixed with pedunculate oak, the montpellier maple, laurel, sweet chestnut, common holly, hazel and oak are located next to the river, and the rare insectivore plant lusitanic butterwort develops in nutrient poor damp places. The flora that populates the fertile land along the river surprises by its beauty in shades of blue, the columbine. The avifauna is generous here, and there are many species that feed in these woods, as for example the common whitethroat and the great tit. The elusive white-throated dipper can be observed at the rapids of the river Mau, where it finds food as the beautiful demoiselle. In ancient galleries and in channelling made in the river to allow installation of the mining buildings, there are important cave bat communities, highlighting the greater horseshoe bat.
These mines date back to Roman times, having been found objects in ceramic dating back to the year 5. B.C. until the year 70 A.D. These consist of a ceremonial sigillata bowl and three lamps probably used in lighting of galleries. Focus on one of these lamps that portrays a gladiator armed with a net, a spear and a trident. The Romans exploited the mines at more than 50 meters deep.
