Protests against Savannah lithium mine continue in Boticas

Protests against a proposed lithium mine in Covas do Barroso, Boticas, have entered their third consecutive day. Approximately 50 demonstrators have gathered near a Savannah Resources drilling site on communal land to block operations.

Nélson Gomes, president of the association Unidos em Defesa de Covas do Barroso (UDCB), stated that the blockade has successfully halted Savannah's work in the area. He challenged the company's claim that no work was scheduled for those days, suggesting the narrative is intended to soothe investor concerns regarding a project that has faced licensing delays for nearly a decade.

Savannah Resources maintains that its field operations follow a specific schedule and comply with administrative easements granted by the Portuguese government in May. The company noted it is continuing work on various fronts, including the Environmental Compliance Report (RECAPE) and financing efforts. While local landowners oppose the project, the government-granted easement allows for ongoing drilling operations.