Portuguese Lithium: Europe’s Largest Supplier

Portuguese Lithium Projects Increase

Portuguese lithium isn’t famous. After all, the smouldering hot country has a lot else going for it. First, there’s it’s cuisine. A carnivore’s dream, “The Rectangle” is famous for delicious, meaty dishes. Second, it’s beaches. Known for potentially having the finest beaches in the world, Portugal’s coastline is a sun tanner’s haven.

Third, there’s Cristiano Ronaldo. The Juventus striker is considered by many to be the world’s best footballer. Although he hasn’t brought a World Cup home, he helped win the 2016 European Championship.

Now, the first country in Europe to legalize all drugs is about to be known for something else.

Europe’s Largest Lithium Supplier

Lithium is an important resource. After all, the ‘world’s lightest metal’ powers electric vehicles and most consumer electronics. With plug-in cars becoming more popular across Europe, the region looks to buy more of the mineral powering these vehicles. Consequently, Portugal is set to benefit. After all, the country is the continent’s largest lithium supplier.

Furthermore, the Portuguese government is fully aware of how lucrative lithium mining can be. Its secretary of state for energy plans to increase prospecting and mining projects throughout the country.

This is good news for both Portugal and the world. Moreover, a global lithium shortage has increased demand for the mineral as electric vehicles become more popular.

The Competition

However, Portugal is only the world’s 6th-largest lithium producer. Most of the world’s lithium comes from South America’s Lithium Triangle and Australia. Meanwhile, America’s only major lithium mine is near Tesla’s upcoming Gigafactory in Nevada.

Portuguese lithium will help Europe become energy self-reliant. Currently, the EU relies heavily on Russian oil. Increasing its fleet of electric vehicles will drastically change this relationship.

Soon, Europe’s most popular electric vehicle might run on European lithium. However, the Nissan Leaf‘s battery is more likely to feature lithium mined in Argentina.

Ultra Lithium Inc. A team of clean energy experts with a finger on the pulse of mining news, ULI is a lithium exploration company with holdings in Argentina, Canada and the US (TSX-V: ULI, OTCQB: ULTXF and Frankfurt: QFB).