Opening of a second lithium mine in Portugal

Portugal, a land abundant in lithium, is solidifying its position in the energy transition race. The country recently received the green light from the Portuguese Environmental Protection Agency (APA) to begin operations at a second lithium mine. This development underscores Portugal’s ambition to take a leading role in the production of this critical metal, essential for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries. The announcement marks a significant step forward in Europe’s quest to reduce its reliance on imported lithium and other strategic metals.

Lithium: a key metal for the energy transition

Lithium is indispensable for producing batteries that power electric vehicles and electronic devices. The surging global demand for lithium stems from the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy. As a result, lithium has become one of the most sought-after metals, alongside copper, cobalt, and nickel.

Europe’s quest for independence

With the opening of this second mine, Portugal continues to strengthen its commitment to this vital resource. The goal is to ensure a stable and sustainable supply to support the growth of Europe’s battery industry. Portugal, with its abundant reserves, is already one of Europe’s leading lithium producers. However, most of its current production is used in the glass and ceramics industries.

Last May, Portugal received authorization for its first lithium mining project, located near a small municipality. This initiative, led by Savannah Resources, paved the way for expanding lithium production in the country.

Portugal’s second lithium mine

The new mine, located in Montalegre in northern Portugal, will be operated by the local company Lusorecursos. The APA has granted conditional approval for this second project, requiring the company to adhere to specific measures to minimize environmental and community impact.

The mine will also include a refining plant, enabling lithium hydroxide production starting in 2027. Lusorecursos plans to produce between 15 and 30 million tons of lithium, significantly contributing to Europe’s production capacity.

Additional projects underway

While Portugal is making strides, France is also exploring its lithium resources. A year ago, Imerys announced a major project to develop a lithium mine in the Allier region. Other potential sites are currently under evaluation. The French Geological Survey (BRGM) is actively inventorying France’s lithium reserves. Recent advancements in analytical techniques have greatly improved resource mapping, offering a clearer understanding of available reserves.