Homeowners in Boticas have successfully filed a precautionary measure against the Ministry of Environment, resulting in the suspension of the administrative easement that allowed Savannah Resources to explore for lithium.

This legal action, initiated by three property owners, has a suspensive effect that applies to all affected lands, not just those owned by the individuals who filed the measure.

The Ministry of Environment was notified of the court's decision on February 5, 2025, and is legally obligated to comply with the ruling.

As of February 6, 2025, communities in Covas do Barroso and Romainho are mobilizing to enforce the suspension of all mining activities, asserting that the time of servitude is over.

Nelson Gomes, president of the Unidos em Defesa de Covas de Barroso (UDCB), emphasized the group's aim to stop the project, which they believe poses a significant threat to both private and communal lands.

The administrative easement, authorized by the Secretary of State for Energy in December 2024, was intended to facilitate Savannah's access to private land for lithium exploration.

Following the announcement of the administrative servitude, Savannah Resources had planned to resume fieldwork and drilling for the Definitive Feasibility Study, targeting completion by 2025 and production start in 2027.

The Portuguese Environment Agency had previously issued a favorable but conditional Environmental Impact Declaration for the Barroso lithium project in May 2023.

Despite the administrative easement allowing Savannah to access private land for mining research, the company has temporarily halted its fieldwork, conducting only safety maneuvers at this time.

Savannah acknowledged the validity of the precautionary measure and stated they would handle the situation calmly, as they have with similar cases.

Gomes has described the mining project as a significant invasion lacking democratic legitimacy, calling for immediate action to halt its progress.

However, this government decision faced opposition from local property owners and authorities, who argue against the implications of such servitudes.