Does Portugal have a lithium supply chain?

Volkswagen also ships cars from Setubal, so much of the infrastructure was already there. But not everyone is happy about Portugal’s increasingly big role in the lithium supply chain. Unconnected to Aurora, British company Savannah Resources plans to open Europe’s biggest open-cast lithium mine in northern Portugal.

Should Portugal invest in a lithium project?

The Aurora project should, de Sousa Martins says, encourage investment from other players into the lithium value chain in Portugal, “like cell production, gigafactories, recycling and, of course, more than anything, into the mining world”.

Why is a lithium refinery being built in Portugal?

Portugal has the largest proven reserves of lithium in Europe, which is why Aurora is there. The refinery will use Portuguese lithium as well as foreign imports from places like Australia (which, the company acknowledges, will contribute to the CO2 emissions associated with the venture).

How will lithium mining affect Portugal's agricultural systems?

Others have raised questions about the extent to which the spoils from lithium mining will feed back into Portuguese communities themselves — and cautioned that mining could impact agricultural systems. Although Northvolt’s refinery isn't a mine, it will contribute to the demand on Portugal’s lithium resources.

Is Savannah Resources accelerating its lithium mine project in Portugal?

London-listed Savannah Resources will accelerate its lithium mine project in northern Portugal to ensure first commercial output in 2027, it said on Thursday, despite uncertainties about price and demand it said were temporary.

How much lithium can Northvolt produce a year?

The plant will be able to deliver lithium hydroxide sufficient for 50 GWh of battery production per year (sufficient for approximately 700,000 electric vehicles). As part of the agreement, Northvolt will secure an offtake for up to 50% of the plant’s capacity for use in its battery manufacturing.