Bloco leader denounces government conduct over Barroso lithium mine

Bloco de Esquerda coordinator José Manuel Pureza visited Covas do Barroso, in Boticas, calling the lithium mine project run by Savannah Resources 'scandalous' and accusing the government of authoritarian behaviour. He criticised the use of GNR police to secure an administrative servitude linked to the project and said descarbonisation cannot come at the expense of local people. Residents reported feeling under constant surveillance and raised concerns over water scarcity, unauthorised deforestation, and future expropriations. Savannah, which holds a conditional environmental licence from 2023, plans to start construction in 2027. Local association UDCB said opposition to the project continues to grow.