The “Argemela” Lithium Mine Project
Located in the municipalities of Covilhã and Fundão, was under consideration following a concession contract signed in 2021 with Neomia—Minérios Argemela (Almina Group). However, mining activities were contingent upon a favorable or conditionally favorable Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Rejection Details
On April 21, 2025, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) officially rejected the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) submitted for the Argemela mine. The agency cited a “lack of conformity” in the study, stating that the project failed to provide the necessary level of detail required for its execution phase. The APA’s report, dated December 30, 2024, highlighted several key deficiencies:
- The EIS did not reach the level of detail expected for a project at this stage.
- There were significant gaps in the identification and assessment of environmental impacts.
- Fundamental environmental factors and project components were insufficiently addressed, limiting the ability to properly evaluate the project’s potential effects.
- Due to these non-conformities, the APA issued an outright rejection of the assessment request and canceled the ongoing procedure. The agency stated that a new EIS would need to address all the shortcomings identified before any further consideration could be given.
Implications and Local Response
The decision has been welcomed by local advocacy groups such as the Group for the Preservation of the Serra da Argemela (GPSA), which now expects the Ministry of the Environment to declare the concession contract null and void. The rejection reflects broader concerns in Portugal regarding the environmental and social impacts of lithium mining, especially in regions near protected or ecologically sensitive areas.
Context: Lithium Mining in Portugal
Portugal has significant lithium reserves and has seen a surge in mining proposals driven by global demand for lithium-ion batteries. However, large-scale open-cast mining projects have sparked opposition due to their potential to destroy ecosystems, consume and contaminate water resources, and disrupt local communities. The Argemela case exemplifies the tension between the push for mineral extraction and the need for rigorous environmental oversight.
Next Steps
For the Argemela mine project to proceed, a substantially revised and more comprehensive Environmental Impact Study must be submitted, addressing all the deficiencies cited by the APA. Until then, the project remains halted, and its future is uncertain.
