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Portugal's mining technique might favour copper over lithium

Portugal's government is finalising a tactical strategy to check out for basic materials critical to the green transition, where copper might handle a. more important role than lithium, the environment and energy. minister said on Monday.

Maria da Graca Carvalho stated Portugal fortunately has lots of. important basic materials for the green shift, such as copper,. which is needed for electrical cars.

Portugal already has the biggest copper mine in the European. Union, operated by Toronto-based Lundin Mining. It also. produces lithium for the ceramics market and has large. deposits of battery-grade lithium that remain in advancement.

We have terrific possible to explore for copper, we currently. have a terrific custom and we will continue to invest, she informed. reporters on the sidelines of a conference.

When looking at important basic materials, we have to think about. lithium, but it is not the only one, nor possibly the most. crucial.

She said the tactical plan ought to be presented on July 22.

Based on this method, we will define the locations of. production for the different critical raw materials, she said,. adding that there may be new concessions.

Europe is aiming to ensure greater security and lower. reliance on imports from nations such as China for materials. important to the green shift.

Portugal's previous government planned to auction licenses. for lithium prospecting in 6 locations in the north and centre of. the country.

However issues about the ecological and social effect. of lithium mining from nature preservation groups and local. communities have actually caused numerous hold-ups to the auction,. at first prepared for 2018.

Asked if the brand-new government means to continue with the. lithium auction, Carvalho mentioned the need to see the last. tactical plan and base any choice on scientific and technical. information.

(source: Reuters)