[REVISION HISTORY]

Lithium mining protests in Covas do Barroso

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2026-10-28 22:54 UTC → 2026-10-29 09:47 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Members of the Association Unidos em Defesa de Covas do Barroso (UDCB) have engaged in blockades and demonstrations to halt work at the Barroso lithium mine project in Boticas, Portugal. Protesters argue that the open-pit mine, managed by Savannah Resources, threatens the region’s agricultural heritage, water quality, and traditional livelihoods such as tourism and apiculture. Local activists claim the project is being imposed on the community despite significant opposition and have criticized the government’s approach as “authoritarian.” While the UDCB maintains that the project bypasses local refusal, Savannah Resources has stated that its prospecting activities follow an established calendar and comply with administrative easements granted by the Portuguese state. On October 27, 2026, approximately thirty residents initiated a new blockade by forming a human chain in front of prospecting machinery to prevent work in areas covered by government-granted easements. ~~The UDCB characterized the protest as a defense of local rights and a way of life against environmental destruction and noise.~~ This action follows a previous blockade on October 9, which resulted in the police identification of 27 opponents. By October 29, protests entered a third consecutive day, with approximately 50 demonstrators gathering near a Savannah Resources drilling site on communal land. Nélson Gomes, president of the UDCB, stated that the blockade has successfully halted work in the area. He challenged the company’s claims regarding its work schedule, suggesting such narratives are intended to “soothe investor concerns” regarding a project that has faced licensing delays for nearly a decade. Savannah Resources maintains that its operations ~~follow a specific schedule~~ comply with administrative easements granted in May and that ~~the company is continuing work~~ it continues to progress on environmental compliance reports and financing.

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