In Barroso, northern Portugal, the British multinational Savannah Resources, with help from the State and the European Union, wants to open what would become Europe’s first open-pit lithium mine.
Since 2017, the local population has been resisting this prospective mine, which threatens to destroy this region classified as World Agricultural Heritage. We have undertaken legal and direct actions; organized protests and camps; signed petitions and blocked machines.
The company, the State, and the EU call this “green mining”, claiming it is the solution to combat climate change and enable the energy transition. But, in Barroso, nobody forces us to say that gray is green. Nobody forces us to give up the mountains, the rivers, and the history we are guardians of.
This local struggle is an echo of the global resistance. If we succeed in stopping what would be the first and largest open-pit lithium mine in Europe, we will set brutal precedents for future struggles. We know this, just as much as multinationals and governments know it. That is why this struggle is so central. That’s why we fight. And why you should join.
Come to the Voku, or join us this Summer for the Camp in Defense of Barroso (15th – 19th August 2024). https://barrososemminas.org/
Volkseten Vegazulu is a people’s kitchens existing since the very beginning of Joe’s Garage, June 2005. Your donations are welcome. Food is vegan, no reservation. All benefits go to social & political struggles. Joe’s Garage is a space run by volunteers. Without a collective effort, without your active participation, we’re remaining closed. Get in touch in you feel like giving a hand. We’re always looking for cooks. Any help is welcome in the kitchen. Experience not required. If you want to know which days are still available, mail us.