The government has decided to establish a mechanism for setting reference prices for the export of mineral resources.

The decision, which is contained in a joint decree issued by the Ministries of Economy and Finance and Mining Resources and Energy, aims to combat under-invoicing, reduce tax evasion and increase the benefits of exploiting mineral products for the country, according to RM, which quotes a statement from the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

The communiqué also states that the law comes into force today and uses the prices of goods on international markets as a reference.

The source said that the winner of an international public tender to hire an independent entity to monitor the quantities and specifications of minerals exported by companies exploiting the resource in Portugal will also be announced shortly.

The measure is part of the fiscal consolidation measures that the government, through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is implementing and is in line with the Package of Measures for Economic Acceleration, launched in August last year by the President of the Republic, Filipe Nyusi.