Savannah Resources announced the immediate resumption of fieldwork at the Barroso Lithium Project after the Portuguese government issued a reasoned decision lifting the suspension of the temporary land easement. This decision allows pre-construction activities to continue at what is considered Europe’s largest spodumene lithium deposit and a strategic project under the European Critical Materials Act.
The resolution allows activities on the ground to continue.
The suspension had been triggered by an injunction filed by the organization Covas do Barroso Baldios with the Administrative and Fiscal Court of Mirandela. However, the Portuguese government’s response reinstates the order granting Savannah Resources temporary access to certain lands necessary to complete the final phase of the technical studies.
With this decision, the company will resume the planned field program to gather the necessary information before the start of the project’s construction.
Portugal highlights the strategic value of the project
According to the Motivated Resolution, the Portuguese Government considers that the Barroso Lithium Project transcends business interests by forming part of national and European policies aimed at strengthening the supply of critical raw materials.
Likewise, the document points out that a prolonged shutdown could delay the licensing process and affect objectives related to the European Union’s strategic autonomy and the energy transition.
The State also maintains that investment in lithium extraction can encourage the arrival of new industries linked to mineral processing and strengthen the value chain associated with this strategic resource.
Expected impact on the regional economy
Portuguese authorities believe that the development of the project could generate direct and indirect employment in the Boticas region and contribute to reducing population loss through new economic opportunities.
According to the official resolution, the continuation of the project would favor the growth of economic activities related to lithium mining and processing while promoting territorial cohesion in the interior of the country.
Acknowledgement of the execution of the previous work
The document issued by the State also highlights that Savannah Resources carried out the activities performed during the first temporary land easement in 2025 in accordance with the concession contract, the program approved by the General Directorate of Energy and Geology and the Environmental Impact Study.
Furthermore, the authorities indicate that the company remained willing to address the concerns raised by the landowners and that no significant damage resulting from those activities was identified.
Upcoming developments of the Barroso Lithium Project
Savannah Resources reported that it will continue planned activities on the ground and expects to provide further updates to shareholders in the coming weeks.
Among the upcoming development events is the completion of the Definitive Feasibility Study along with the advancement of the regulatory processes necessary to bring the Barroso Lithium Project into its construction phase.
Source: Savannah Resources PLC via Linkedln
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