Portugal seems to be sitting on huge reserves of the demanded metal lithium. As a leading European producer with a market share of 11 per cent, Portugal has the ambition to exploit new deposits.

Two large lithium mine projects are expected to be put into operation by 2020. Portugal already has the largest lithium mine in Europe. It is located in the Guarda area and is run by Felmica.

Estimated deposits are estimated to be sufficient for production 30 years ahead. British Savannah Resources plans to invest in a giant mine, Mina Do Barrosa with 20.1 million tons of ore and a lithium content of 1.0 per cent. Another mining project near the Spanish border, led by Portuguese companies, comprises 30 million tons of ore with a lithium content of 1.09 per cent.

Source: L'Usine Nouvelle