LONDON, UK: Savannah Resources plc, the European lithium development company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global technology leader ABB in connection with the previously announced Decarbonisation Study for the construction and operation of Savannah’s Barroso Lithium Project in northern Portugal.
Savannah is undertaking a Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”) for the construction of a lithium concentrate production facility in northern Portugal. The decarbonisation strategy, which was formally announced on 3 March 2022 is part of Savannah’s commitment to move towards net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions for the Project by maximizing the use of renewable electricity to power mineral production and processing operations. Savannah’s strategic vision is to build a state-of-the-art mineral production operation for a premium, ultra-low carbon spodumene concentrate as a strategic raw material in Europe’s battery supply chain.
Under the early-stage agreement, ABB will apply its technical expertise to outline production control and process solutions for lithium concentrate production and integrated spodumene mining operations in line with Savannah’s target of zero emission operations by 2030.
Savannah will also work towards binding agreements with ABB in relation to electrification, automation and digital solutions in the future.
Commenting on the ABB MoU, Savannah CEO David Archer said: “ABB is at the forefront of the automation and electrification we require for our decarbonisation journey as we progress the development of the Barroso Lithium Project. We are pleased to have their expertise as we continue to execute on our decarbonisation strategy to build Europe’s first spodumene production facility, as a critical supplier of low carbon raw materials for lithium-ion batteries. I look forward to providing our shareholders with further updates as we move towards binding agreements with ABB.”
Commenting for ABB, Frederik Esterhuizen, HUB Division Manager, Process Industries Central & South Europe said: “The development of Savannah’s Barroso Lithium Project provides us with an additional opportunity to showcase ABB’s leadership in industrial automation and smart electrification in Europe, applied towards key operations for the emerging European battery supply chain. This is another step as we continue to enable more sustainable and fossil fuel free mining operations.”