Finance
Environmental groups sue EU commission over Portugal's lithium mine
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Environmental groups sue the EU Commission over Portugal's lithium mine, citing environmental risks. The mine is crucial for Europe's energy transition.
Environmental Groups Challenge EU's Approval of Portugal's Lithium Mine
Legal Action Against EU Commission
LISBON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Environmental groups filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the European Commission over its decision to grant preferential "strategic" status to Portugal's Barroso lithium mine project, developed by London-listed Savannah Resources.
Concerns Over Environmental Impact
Local residents' association United in Defence of Covas do Barroso and ClientEarth group said they filed the lawsuit with the EU's Court of Justice after Brussels refused to reconsider its 2025 decision under the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Government Support for Mining Project
That was "despite detailed evidence showing the project poses serious environmental, social and safety risks", they said in a statement.
Importance of Lithium for Energy Transition
Projects like Savannah's in Portugal are seen as a key test of Europe's ability to produce lithium and other materials seen as essential to the energy transition, but they often face opposition from environmental groups.
Barroso has been a World Heritage site for agriculture since 2018.
The groups said that securing access to critical raw materials "cannot come at the expense of environmental protection, public participation or community rights."
"The energy transition must be based on law, science and justice – not political shortcuts that turn rural regions into sacrifice zones," they said.
Savannah is developing the mining project in northern Barroso, which has estimated resources of the spodumene deposit — one of the lithium-bearing minerals — exceeding 39 million metric tons, making it the largest such deposit in Europe.
Last month, the Portuguese government awarded a 110 million euros ($130 million) grant to the project.
The Portuguese government hopes to launch a long-delayed tender for lithium prospecting licences this year, seen as key to building a domestic lithium value chain and cutting Europe's reliance on imports from countries including China.
($1 = 0.8473 euros)
(Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Andrei Khalip and Susan Fenton)
Key Takeaways
- •Environmental groups filed a lawsuit against the EU Commission.
- •The lawsuit challenges the strategic status of Portugal's lithium mine.
- •Concerns raised over environmental and social risks of the project.
- •Lithium is crucial for Europe's energy transition efforts.
- •The Portuguese government supports the mining project financially.
Frequently Asked Questions about Environmental groups sue EU commission over Portugal's lithium mine
1What is lithium?
Lithium is a chemical element used primarily in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. It is also a key component in energy storage systems.
2What is the Critical Raw Materials Act?
The Critical Raw Materials Act is legislation aimed at ensuring the sustainable supply of essential materials for the European economy, particularly those crucial for energy transition and technological advancements.
3What is environmental impact?
Environmental impact refers to the effect that a project or action has on the surrounding environment, including ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources.
4What is a strategic investment?
A strategic investment is a financial commitment made with the intention of achieving specific long-term goals, often related to growth, market positioning, or resource acquisition.
5What is public participation?
Public participation involves engaging the community and stakeholders in decision-making processes, ensuring that their voices and concerns are considered in projects that may affect them.
