12/06/25 (Agence Europe) – The NGOs ClientEarth, Unidos em Defesa de Covas do Barroso (UDCB) and MiningWatch Portugal have lodged a complaint with the European Commission, which has granted strategic project status to the Mina do Barroso lithium mine project in Portugal (see EUROPE 13607/1). The associations are of the opinion that the extraction project threatens water resources and local biodiversity, and has a negative impact on traditional farming practices. “The proposed water sources for the mine have been deemed unviable, and the site’s approval does not meet necessary environmental conditions” said the complainants. They are also concerned about the storage of waste. In their view, the European Commission has not sufficiently analysed the environmental and social risks linked to opening the mine. The associations are therefore asking the Commission to review its decision to grant strategic project status. (LM)