European Commission says it may revisit strategic status of Covas do Barroso lithium mine

The European Commission has indicated it could reassess the strategic project status granted to the Covas do Barroso lithium mine in Boticas, northern Portugal. Replying to Lusa, it said strategic projects must meet public acceptance requirements and show local community involvement, and that it can review compliance at any stage. The reply followed a Brussels meeting between Left Bloc MEP Catarina Martins and the Commission official responsible, after residents blocked Savannah Resources from working on land covered by a second administrative easement. Savannah aims to start construction in 2027 and production in 2028. Opponents continue to demand cancellation and question who the "independent experts" were.