In northern Portugal, the small village of Covas do Barroso is making headlines for resists to lithium mining. It is part of the municipality of Boticas, Vila Real. This beautiful area is now the center of a battle against a lithium mining project. The community, known for its World Agricultural Heritage Site status, wants to protect its land and way of life. They see the mining project as harmful and unfair.
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Covas Do Barroso Resists To Lithium Mining
The government supports Savannah Resources plan to mine lithium here. This has upset locals. The project is meant to help Europe reduce carbon emissions but locals see it as a threat to their environment and traditions. Recently the government gave Savannah Resources special permission to use land they do not own. This decision feels like their voices are being ignored for the people of Covas do Barroso.
Last Saturday, many protested for world peace in Lisbon but a smaller group gathered in Covas do Barroso. They want to be left alone. They do not oppose progress but reject a project that could harm their heritage.
The fight against Savannah Resources has been ongoing for years. Locals have raised concerns about the damage mining could cause. They worry it will ruin the landscape, pollute water, and put their safety at risk. These concerns have delayed the company’s plans but recent developments have strengthened local resistance.
Leader of the political party Bloco de Esquerda Mariana Mortágua joined Saturday’s protest. She supported the community and said these projects harm rural areas. She criticized the government’s approach.
Mariana Mortágua said:
These projects are destroying the interior. This is not the way to develop our country. On one hand, they talk about respecting the environment. On the other hand, they destroy rural areas to mine lithium.
The Cost Of Lithium Mining
Lithium is important for making batteries used in electric cars and renewable energy. Europe need for lithium is growing but mining it harms the environment. It can lead to deforestation, water pollution and soil damage. The people of Covas do Barroso believe the risks are too high.
Their village is a World Agricultural Heritage Site. This means it is valuable for its traditional farming and biodiversity. These traditions support the local economy and protect nature. Mining in this area would cause lasting damage, say critics.
Democracy
One big problem is the lack of consultation with locals. Many feel decisions are made without their input. They believe this is unfair.
One protester said:
There is no democracy if decisions are made without the people.
Bloco de Esquerda supports the community. She criticized powerful financial groups behind the project. She also noted how the media has ignored the protests.
Mortágua said:
The public interest is to defend those who are mobilizing against lithium. Some shareholders of this company own media outlets, which never cover these protests
International Attention To The Protest
Despite challenges, Covas do Barroso is not alone. Their fight has gained international attention. It has been featured at the Cannes Film Festival and discussed in the European Union. Activists hope this support will pressure decision makers to rethink the project.
This year may be a turning point. Municipal elections are coming, and political parties are paying more attention. This could bring more political support to the community.
Mortágua said:
If the project was good, locals would support it. But it’s clear they don’t.
Savannah Resources wants to start mining in 2027. But their plan faces legal and public opposition. The company says its project supports Europe’s green goals. Critics argue that true sustainability cannot harm communities or nature.
This fight is about more than a mine for Covas do Barroso. It is about protecting their heritage, land, and way of life.
Their fight shows that progress should not come at the cost of people and the planet. One activist said:
We will keep fighting for what is ours and for the good of all
This small village has become a symbol of resistance. Its fight matters not just in Portugal but around the world. They stop the mine or not but Covas do Barroso has started a debate about the real cost of progress. They remind us to prioritize people and nature in development plans.
