SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Mining expansion: Portugal gives the green light for lithium

The Portuguese Environmental Protection Agency (APA) has approved a second lithium mining project in Portugal, underlining its importance for the energy transition. However, these projects face local and ecological challenges.

Share:

Portugal lithium

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90$/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99$/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

The Portuguese Environmental Protection Agency (APA) announced on Thursday that it had given the go-ahead, subject to certain conditions, to a second project in the country to mine lithium, a metal used to manufacture batteries and essential to the country’s energy transition.

APA Approves Lithium Refining Project in Northern Portugal

Portugal, which holds the largest lithium reserves in Europe, is already the main producer, but for the time being, its production is used entirely for ceramics and glassmaking.

“In line with what has been done in similar projects, the assessment carried out took into account the strategic interest of lithium for carbon neutrality objectives and the energy transition,” APA explained in a statement.

An initial lithium mine project by British company Savannah in the Boticas commune in the north of the country received conditional authorization from the APA last May.

The project approved on Thursday, designed by the Portuguese company Lusorecursos in the nearby municipality of Montalegre, also includes the construction of a metal refining plant.

Lusorecursos Plans to Produce 15 to 30 Million Tons of Lithium Hydroxide

With an estimated investment of €650 million, Lusorecursos plans to produce between 15 and 30 million tonnes of lithium hydroxide by 2027.

These two mining projects are being contested by environmental NGOs and a section of the local population in this rural region renowned for its beef production and home to the Iberian wolf.

Along with cobalt and nickel, lithium is one of the metals needed to manufacture the electric batteries that will replace internal combustion engines.

To reduce its dependence on imports, particularly from China, the European Union is preparing to open mines and refineries to process it.

Why does it matter?

Portugal’s Environmental Protection Agency (APA) has given the green light to a second lithium mining project, underlining its importance for the country’s energy transition. However, these projects are contested by environmental NGOs and local residents.

Lithium is essential for electric batteries, which are in great demand as electric vehicles take off. This decision reflects the European Union’s efforts to reduce its dependence on lithium imports, mainly from China.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
Nuclear energy retained in the European Union green taxonomy
Orazul Energy launches cash tender offer for its 2027 notes
Petrobras takes 27.5% stake in Block 4 offshore São Tomé with Shell and Galp
Italy could unlock €16bn in hydropower through new concession model
Westinghouse and EDF reactors deemed viable for Slovenia’s JEK2 nuclear project
Guyana to tighten contractual framework for oil production
Re-elected president Irfaan Ali announces stricter production-sharing agreements to increase national economic returns.
Coal India launches 5 GW of solar and wind projects across the country
Coal India issues tenders to develop 5 GW of renewable capacity, split between solar and wind, as part of its long-term energy strategy.
US utilities plan 147 GW in new high-load capacity by 2035
US utilities anticipate a rapid increase in high-intensity loads, targeting 147 GW of new capacity by 2035, with a strategic shift toward deregulated markets.
France: RTE launches public debate on €100 billion for the power grid
France opens a national consultation on RTE’s plan to invest €100 billion by 2040 to modernise the high-voltage electricity transmission grid.
California speeds up permits to secure federal tax credits
Governor Gavin Newsom orders state agencies to fast-track clean energy projects to capture Inflation Reduction Act credits before deadlines expire.
German industry warns of €5.4tn energy burden by 2049
Germany’s energy transition could cost up to €5.4tn ($6.3tn) by 2049, according to the main industry organisation, raising concerns over national competitiveness.
Power cuts plunge Iranian businesses into lasting operational crisis
Facing blackouts imposed by the authorities, small businesses in Iran record mounting losses amid drought, fuel shortages and pressure on the national power grid.
T Plus to maintain electricity production at 57.6 TWh in 2025
Russian group T Plus plans to stabilise its electricity output at 57.6 TWh in 2025, despite a decline recorded in the first half of the year, according to Chief Executive Officer Pavel Snikkars.
French energy regulator corrects ten public claims on costs and production
In France, the Commission de régulation de l’énergie issues a clarification on ten statements shared over the summer, correcting several figures regarding tariffs, production and investments in the electricity sector.
Dozens of scientists denounce climate report deemed biased by US Department of Energy
A group of 85 researchers challenges the scientific validity of the climate report released by the US Department of Energy, citing partial methods and the absence of independent peer review.
Five new projects obtain CB RES status and join the Commission list
Five energy infrastructure projects have been added to the list of cross-border renewable projects, making them eligible for financial support under the CEF Energy programme.
Tanzania bets on compressed natural gas to cut oil imports
The Tanzanian government launches a national consultation to accelerate the rollout of compressed natural gas, mobilising public and private financing to secure energy supply and lower fuel costs.
Kuwait launches tenders for 1.8GW energy and water project
The Kuwaiti government has invited three international consortia to submit bids for the first phase of the Al Khairan project, combining power generation and desalination.
NNPC Ltd keeps Port Harcourt refinery and focuses on rehabilitation
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company abandons plans to sell the Port Harcourt refinery and confirms a maintenance programme despite high operating costs.
Political crisis in France: energy roadmap threatened by new delay
The publication of the Multiannual Energy Programme decree, awaited for two years, is compromised by internal political tensions, jeopardising strategic investments in nuclear and renewables.
EIA delays key reports after 30% staff reduction
The US Energy Information Administration reschedules or cancels several publications, affecting the availability of critical data for oil, gas and renewables markets.
Brazil dismantles criminal fuel network worth BRL52bn
Brazilian authorities have launched a large-scale operation targeting a money laundering system linked to the fuel sector, involving investment funds, fintechs, and more than 1,000 service stations across the country.
Natural gas and solar receive broad support across the United States
A national study by the Davies Group reveals widespread American support for the simultaneous development of both renewable and fossil energy sources, with strong approval for natural gas and solar energy.
Seoul Imposes 25% Cut in Petrochemical Capacity to Stabilize the Sector
The South Korean government compels ten petrochemical groups to cut up to 3.7 million tons of naphtha cracking per year, tying financial and tax support to swift and documented restructuring measures.
Washington extends emergency orders to strengthen Puerto Rico’s power grid
The U.S. Department of Energy has extended until November the emergency measures aimed at ensuring the stability of Puerto Rico’s power grid against overload risks and recurring outages.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.