The outgoing prime minister defended lithium exploration in Portugal on Tuesday, guaranteeing it was an “extraordinary opportunity” for the country. On board the first electric ship Transtejo, which will cross the South Coast and Lisbon, António Costa noted that “this ship would not have sailed if there were no lithium mining”, emphasizing that “for many decades the country has complained about the lack of natural reserves” and that this ore “will improve the country’s economy in the future.” After the first boat crossing of the Tagus River, the head of government refused to talk to journalists. Remember that the lithium business is being investigated by the courts and former infrastructure minister João Galamba is one of those targeted by the authorities. The mines are planned for the municipalities of Montalegre and Boticas in Trás os Montes, but they have been the subject of protests by the population and local authorities in the region.