Former ministers Luís Mira Amaral and Luís Amado, along with former president of the Empresa de Desenvolvimento Mineiro (EDM) Carlos Caxaria, and mineral supply chain specialist Astrid Karamira have been appointed to Savannah’s advisory committee.
“We believe that the diversity of backgrounds enriches the strategic debate and helps anticipate the various challenges and opportunities that present themselves to our project and all the partners involved,” said Emanuel Proença, CEO of Savannah, in a statement issued today.
The proposed open-pit lithium mine in the Boticas municipality, located in the north of Vila Real district, received a conditional Environmental Impact Statement in 2023, with plans for production to commence in 2027.
Savannah outlined that the advisory committee is designed to support the company’s development of the Barroso lithium project by providing comprehensive analysis, recommendations, and guidance aimed at ensuring the project’s success and sustainability.
The committee currently comprises four members, but its composition can be adjusted and it will meet periodically with the company’s leadership.
Luís Amado, a former Minister of National Defense and Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, also served as Secretary of State for Internal Administration and Cooperation, and as a Member of Parliament. His career spans involvement with Banif and Cabo-Verdiano de Negócios banks, and EDP. He is currently in non-executive and consultancy roles across various enterprises, serves on the Global Advisory Board of Sonae, chairs the Board of Curators of the Fundação Oriente, and is a curator at the Fundação Francisco Manuel dos Santos.
Luís Mira Amaral, a former Minister of Labor and Social Security, and of Industry and Energy, has held executive roles across industrial, energy, and technology sectors, and has been a university professor and member of engineering and economists’ orders. He is currently a consultant at FNWAY Consulting, working on research, technology development, and innovation projects, and teaches economics and management for engineers at Instituto Superior Técnico.
Carlos Caxaria was vice-president of the Geological and Mining Institute and Deputy Director at the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), leading EDM, a public company in the mining sector.
Astrid Karamira specializes in responsible mineral supply chains and has focused on the lithium sector, covering markets, value chains, and industry challenges.
The Barroso lithium mine was recognized as a strategic project by the European Commission in March under the Critical Raw Materials Regulation.
Last week, the association Unidos em Defesa de Covas do Barroso (UDCB), MiningWatch Portugal, and ClientEarth challenged the European Commission’s support, filed a complaint, and requested a review, stating that the environmental and social risks were not properly assessed.
Savannah responded by highlighting its pride in the European Commission’s recognition of the Barroso mine, claiming that opponents continue to spread “lies” and “recycle arguments” that have already been refuted.
The company aims to produce enough lithium to supply at least half a million vehicle batteries annually, equating to more than three times the total number of vehicles purchased in Portugal each year.
