Support communities resisting lithium mining in Central Portugal

The Alvarrões mine in Portugal, located on the foothills of the Serra da Estrela National Park and classified as Geopark and UNESCO world heritage, is in the advanced stages of expanding. 

The open pit mine is set to enlarge from what is now officially 6 hectares to 32 hectares to further extract lithium, feldspar and quartz (with a concession area of 641 hectares). Currently the mining company is already exploring more than 12 hectares without having a license to do so.  

Quick link to the public consultation (deadline 4th September)

The consequences of open air mining have already proven to wreak havoc: from environmental destruction including air pollution and contamination of water and soil, to dwindling opportunities and investments in (eco- and agri-) tourism and agriculture.

So far, the mining company in question has not adhered to most -if any- environmental regulations and obligations, so vigilance and action is warranted. 

In response, local citizens have united in Ação Floresta Viva, a reforestation organisation that began in 2022 after devastating wildfires in the area decimated one fourth of the park.

Ação Floresta Viva’s mission to protect the environment further continues now with the resistance against destructive open pit mining.

It is believed that this project is only just the beginning: vast areas of Central and Northern Portugal are currently being prospected for the mining of various raw materials, lithium in particular. Many of these areas are in the same region. 

There are a number of ways to support the community to put a halt to the mine expansion:

1) Speak out through this participation portal – for which the deadline is 4th of September:

https://participa.pt/pt/consulta/ampliacao-da-mina-de-alvarroes

2) Sign the petition:

https://peticaopublica.com/mobile/psign.aspx?pi=Alvarroes#google_vignette

3) Follow and like on social media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/florestavivaguard

Instagram: @acao.floresta.viva

Author: Ação Floresta Viva