Savannah Resources, a company aiming to build the largest lithium mine in western Europe in Portugal, has announced it has found a way to eliminate the project’s direct emissions (Scope 1) by using battery electric mining equipment.
The company also stated that indirect emissions (Scope 2) could be lowered by 54% due to a potential reduction in the plant’s power requirement. The updated strategy followed the completion of a study by Portuguese environmental consultant ECOPROGRESSO, which aimed to reduce emissions and create a decarbonization strategy.
“A number of viable options are available to secure 100% renewable energy supply to the Project including regional solar and wind generation, on market purchase, via direct Power Purchase Agreements, or a combination of these,” the company said. “Use of 100% renewable energy would reduce the Project’s Scope 2 emissions to zero.”
The company plans to continue detailed analysis as part of the definitive feasibility study and to determine a site-specific solution for a battery-operated mining fleet and charging infrastructure.
The Barroso project holds 27 million tonnes of lithium and will also yield feldspar and quartz, which will be sold locally and in Spain.
Portugal is already Europe’s top lithium producer, but its output is entirely used for ceramics and glassware.
Sources: Mining.com
Image of lithium containing spodumene rock: Flickr