Lithium and other minerals exploration in Portugal

LPN considers indispensable a Strategic Environmental Assessment prior to concessions to explore lithium and other minerals in Portugal

During the last few days, thel media has been referring to the lithium exploration in Portugal in a way that suggests the process is progressing, creating problematic issues if consummated. Therefore, LPN considers it is necessary to promote a Strategic Environmental Assessment regarding lithium exploration in Portugal prior to the concession phase. This process must be participatory and transparent, with economic, social and environmental impacts duly studied and considered, analysing alternatives (including the possibility of non-exploration).

Under the Public Consultation of the Report prepared by the Lithium Working Group, which took place in 2017, LPN noticed that from the eleven areas identified with lithium and minerals deposits in Portugal, seven covered Classified Areas (six Natura 2000 areas and one protected area). At the time, LPN emphasized that, the analysis carried out had not ensure the safeguard of natural assets and that there was a devaluation of the importance of these natural resources in a scenario in which the extraction of lithium would develop. In fact, this report focused essentially on the economic aspects of lithium exploration without conveniently analysing social and environmental sustainability, namely, the minimization of environmental impacts caused, not only in the ecological recovery in the surface, but also in the treatment of contaminated water (acidified), sludge and sterile / subproducts with no potential for reused. It should also be analysed the ecological footprint, including greenhouse gas emissions associated with mineral processing.

Therefore, it is LPN’s understanding that much work remains to be done before the concession phase. LPN also considers that lithium exploration can only proceed in areas where social and environmental impacts are reduced and with all the necessary environmental precautions, including the location outside Classified Areas and adjacent areas that may affect these territories. Finally, LPN highlights that other mining processes are being planned, in both terrestrial and marine environments, without duly considering their environmental consequences.

• Read here the contribution of LPN to the Public Consultion regarding the Report of the Lithium Working Group