This publication is a collaborative effort by Friends of the Earth Europe, EEB, Mining Watch Portugal, Associação UDCB, and MINOB.

This factsheet is part of a series of case studies on contested mining projects, developed by civil society organisations. The factsheets illustrate the structural problems associated with mining projects in Europe and beyond, with a view to integrate the experiences of front line communities in EU policies. This factsheet is part of a series of case studies on contested mining projects, developed by civil society organisations. The factsheets illustrate the structural problems associated with mining projects in Europe and beyond, with a view to integrate the experiences of front line communities in EU policies.

Savannah intends to transform an inactive feldspar and quartz mining concession into four open-pit lithium mines affecting a large area in the Barroso region. Barroso lies in the North of Portugal and is recognized by the UN-FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems Site (GIAHS) of which there are only 11 in Europe, Barroso being the only one in Portugal. This means it is an agro-ecosystem inhabited by communities that live in an intricate relationship with their territory. It is characterized by rich biodiversity, invaluable cultures and landscapes, sustainably managed by small-scale (pastoral) farmers. The land, soil and water quality are vital for the rural agricultural economy. Lithium mining in this remarkable area would cause irreversible damage to the local ecosystem, but also to the cultural heritage and traditional way of living. For these reasons, but also due to the undemocratic conduct by the company and national government bodies, the local population and the local government vehemently reject the mining plans and have been actively resisting for the past seven years. There have been numerous breaches in terms of stakeholder consultation, transparency and access to information. Despite intense social engineering efforts, Savannah has not been able to gain social acceptance, evidenced by the national protests, local resistance and court cases against the company.