The incident was reported via email to the press by a group of anonymous citizens who identify themselves as “people in solidarity with the resident population in the Barroso region.” They claimed responsibility for entering the offices of Savannah Resources in Carreira da Lebre, Boticas, on the night of the 19th.
The group stated that they vandalized the British company’s vehicles and painted the front with red paint, adding the phrase: “NO TO THE MINE.”
Contacted today, the company confirmed the vandalism and stated via email that “Savannah’s security systems captured clear images of the criminal act carried out by four individuals in the Carreira da Lebre area this week.”
According to Savannah, these images have been handed over to the authorities, specifically the Criminal Investigation Division of the National Republican Guard (GNR), to assist in identifying those responsible as soon as possible.
“As in the previous case where individuals have already been charged, we trust in the justice system’s firm action (…),” the company said, recalling a similar incident almost three months ago.
The local GNR in Vila Real, contacted by the press, confirmed they are investigating. Authorities have recorded incidents of vandalism involving paint and deflated machine tires.
This is the second similar incident since April 3. “We reiterate that these acts of vandalism do not deter us from our commitment. The work of the Savannah teams continues as normal,” emphasized the company in the same note.
Savannah aims to explore lithium in the Covas do Barroso area, in the northern part of the Vila Real district, yet the mine faces opposition from locals, mayors, and environmentalists.
Over the past seven years, various protests, legal proceedings, and other actions have been taken against mining in this area.
The mining project received approval from the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA), with the issuance of a favorable Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in 2023, subject to conditions.
In February, exploration work was halted for 15 days in Covas do Barroso due to a court injunction.
