Savannah Resources Resumes Portugal Lithium Project After Court Suspension Lifted
London-listed Savannah Resources has resumed work on its Barroso lithium project in northern Portugal after the Portuguese government lifted a three-week suspension imposed following a court injunction.
The suspension, which began on June 9, halted fieldwork after the Mirandela Administrative and Fiscal Court granted a precautionary injunction in response to a legal challenge brought by the Barroso Assembly of Common Land Holders.
The legal action followed the government’s approval of a second administrative easement that granted Savannah access to community and privately owned land to carry out geotechnical investigations.
In its submission to the court, the Portuguese government argued that continuing the suspension would significantly harm the public interest by delaying a project considered strategically important for both Portugal and the European Union.
The government also warned that further delays could undermine broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s critical minerals supply chain and support the clean energy transition.
Following the court’s decision to lift the injunction on Monday, Savannah Resources confirmed it will immediately restart fieldwork and continue project development according to schedule.
The Barroso project hosts more than 39 million tonnes of spodumene-bearing resources, making it the largest known hard-rock lithium deposit in Europe.
Exploration also indicates the potential to add between 35 million and 62 million tonnes of additional resources, which could increase the total resource base to more than 100 million tonnes and extend the mine’s projected operating life beyond 50 years.
Despite its strategic importance, the project has faced nearly a decade of opposition from some local communities and environmental groups, resulting in several legal challenges.
While there is no legal right to appeal the court’s decision to lift the injunction, Savannah acknowledged that opponents may pursue additional legal action.
The company remains on track to make a final investment decision by the end of 2026. Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with first lithium production targeted for 2028.
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