“The fight does not end here,” is how the mayor of Montalegre Fatima Fernandez reacted on Friday to the viability of lithium mines in the municipality and assured that “she will do everything” to prevent exploration from moving forward. Among the concerns is the impact on the Iberian wolf, which is said to be “sacrificed.”
Environmentalists are also protesting against a favorable, if conditional, Environmental Impact Declaration, with the Zero association warning that “the solution will be to displace people from this area” and the Montalegre Com Vida association deploring the “devastating” consequences of the project. The green light, given by the Portuguese Environmental Agency on Thursday, included paying compensation to the municipality and population and minimizing the impact on the Iberian wolf.
The declaration only makes the mine viable, but the refinery needs another assessment. The mine is scheduled to open in 2027.
The exploration company assured that it had already sold all the lithium.
Author: João Reis Alves This Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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