LISBON – Savannah Resources has announced that recent exploration results at its Barroso lithium project in northern Portugal suggest a deposit larger than the previously estimated 28 million metric tons of high-grade lithium.
The London-listed company aims to develop four open-pit mines at Barroso, producing enough lithium annually to power between 500,000 and 1 million electric vehicle batteries. Last month, Savannah revealed plans to accelerate the project, targeting its first commercial output by 2027.
“The results from our surface exploration efforts are truly exciting,” said Savannah CEO Emanuel Proença. “The early conclusion is clear: the Barroso lithium project remains highly prospective for further spodumene lithium resource delineation.”
Barroso’s deposit of spodumene, a key lithium-bearing mineral, is already the largest in Europe, according to the company.
Recent findings have also identified significant follow-up targets within the project’s licensed areas and the potential to extend the five known ore deposits.
This development comes as the European Union pushes to reduce its reliance on countries like China for critical raw materials.
However, Savannah’s project has faced strong opposition from local residents and environmental groups, who have staged protests, filed legal challenges, and resisted land acquisitions.
Despite the challenges, Proença emphasized Savannah’s commitment to advancing the project, stating the company remains firmly focused on taking the necessary steps to enable its startup.
