Lithium continues to generate controversy in Portugal. To SIC, the Ministry of the Environment admits that it is working in favor of mining explorations, safeguarding the interests of the population.
Deep within the earth, an abandoned cave in the north of the country holds the secret of a hidden wealth. It contains the much-desired white oil.
The walls hold stories that geologists are trying to decipher today and the echo of the times raises questions about the concentration of minerals.
In Portugal, the race for energy transition gained new momentum after finding lithium in the interior of the country. The Barroso and Romano mines were the first to receive a favorable opinion from the Portuguese Environment Agency.
But the population now fears that the explorations will destroy their quality of life.
Essential in the production of batteries for electric cars, cell phones, portable computers and soft mobility, interest in exploring lithium is growing.
But the environmental impacts of open-pit mines raise concerns.
The exploration of this metal, also called white oil, is rare and highly sought after throughout Europe. Until now, it has had the support of the government through foreign interest in national deposits.
