Savannah Resources PLC (AIM:SAV, ETR:SAV, OTC:SAVNF) told investors it has signed an agreement with global technology firm ABB as it advances plans for zero-emission operations at Barroso, a lithium mining project in northern Portugal.
The early-stage agreement, a memorandum of understanding, envisages ABB providing 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.
Additionally, the two companies are expected to work towards a further agreement regarding electrification, automation and digital solutions.
"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,” said David Archer, Savannah chief executive.
“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.”
Frederik Esterhuizen, a division manager for ABB, meanwhile, added: “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."