Portugal – The discovery of one of the largest lithium deposits in Europe has been announced in Boticas, northern Portugal. This is a strategic step to support the electric vehicle industry on the continent. It also helps reduce Europe’s dependence on Asia, particularly China, for the supply of raw materials for batteries.
Savannah Resources, the company behind the Barroso lithium project, reported that proven reserves have increased by 40% to 39 million tons. Probable resources exceed 100 million tons, enough to produce approximately 47 million electric vehicle batteries. The mine is scheduled to begin operations in 2028. Infrastructure work will commence before the end of 2026, with an initial operational period of at least 14 years.
Germany is expected to be the biggest beneficiary of this lithium. It will help supply leading automakers undergoing a rapid shift towards electric mobility. Lithium, along with nickel and cobalt, is a key component in electric vehicle batteries due to its high energy density.
However, local residents have expressed concerns about the mining’s impact on water quality and biodiversity. The company maintains it has obtained five favorable court rulings and has developed a comprehensive plan to mitigate potential environmental impacts.
This discovery comes at a time of soaring demand for electric vehicles. It gives Europe a strategic advantage in boosting domestic battery production and ensures the security of the supply chain in the transition to clean energy.
