Environmental and community groups have taken the European Commission to the European Court of Justice over its decision to designate a lithium mine in northern Portugal as “strategic”. The lawsuit, filed by Associação Unidos em Defesa de Covas do Barroso (UDCB) and ClientEarth, alleges that the Commission ignored mounting evidence of environmental, social, and safety risks tied to the Barroso lithium project.
The groups are seeking to annul the EU’s approval and clarify the Commission’s duties under the Critical Raw Materials Act, which came into force in 2024 to secure sustainable access to essential raw materials—including lithium, cobalt, and nickel—critical for the green and digital transitions by 2030.
Fast-Tracking Lithium Projects Sparks Controversy
The Barroso mine, Europe’s largest spodumene deposit with over 39 million metric tons, was among 47 raw material projects designated “strategic” in March 2025. The label fast-tracks development by easing permitting, improving financing access, and reducing administrative hurdles.
Critics argue the move prioritizes speed over safety. Nik Völker of MiningWatch Portugal warned that it “justifies environmental degradation and harm to local communities while ignoring lithium’s uncertain economics and Europe’s fragmented battery supply chain.”
Earlier appeals by MiningWatch Portugal, UDCB, and ClientEarth to remove Barroso from the strategic list were rejected by the Commission. Officials maintained that full compliance with EU environmental law is Portugal’s responsibility, covering water, biodiversity, and tailings management.
Legal Action Highlights Environmental and Social Risks
The lawsuit contends that labeling the project strategic contradicts EU legal principles, particularly when documented risks to water, ecosystems, human health, and livelihoods are ignored. The groups insist the energy transition must respect law, science, and justice, rather than allowing rural regions to become “sacrifice zones.” Barroso’s lithium operations, developed by London-listed Savannah Resources, recently received €110 million ($130 million) in government funding, underscoring its strategic importance to Europe’s battery and EV ambitions.
Lithium Mining and Environmental Concerns
Lithium is essential for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and grid energy storage. Barroso’s mining relies on spodumene extraction, a hard-rock method distinct from brine mining, yet still water-intensive.
The extraction process poses serious environmental risks: aquifer depletion, chemical contamination, and ecosystem disruption. Local communities face potential threats to drinking water, agriculture, and biodiversity, sparking concerns about whether rapid development aligns with sustainable supply chain goals.
The case at the European Court of Justice is set to test how the EU balances strategic mineral supply with environmental protection and social responsibility. With lithium at the center of the continent’s electric vehicle and energy storage plans, the outcome could shape future project approvals, funding priorities, and the broader approach to critical raw materials governance in Europe.
