From Strategy to Mining: Emmanuel Proença Discusses His Journey and Savannah's Lithium Project Progress

In this episode, we have a returning guest who appeared back in June 2024 (Episode 444). Emanuel Proença, CEO of Savannah Resources, one of Europe’s leading conventional lithium development companies, with one of the most significant lithium raw material assets in the European Union. With a background in industrial engineering, Emanuel is an experienced executive and an expert in the energy transition in mobility with a strong track record of managing transformation and generating growth within sectors including green fuels production and market development, electrification of mobility, liquid fuels hedging, trading, logistics and retail of liquid fuels, and digitalisation.  Emanuel gives us an update on Savannah Resources, how the project is going to help with Portugal’s energy transition, and an overview of the lithium market in Europe. KEY TAKEAWAYS The lithium market is expected to grow significantly from 2025 onwards, driven by increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage systems. The company anticipates starting production in 2027, positioning itself to capitalise on this growth. Savannah Resources has focused on improving relationships with the local community by enhancing local facilities, employing local residents, and actively engaging in community events to foster understanding and support for the project. Europe is emerging as a key player in the lithium market, with several projects underway, including Savannah's in Portugal. The region is working to develop a complete battery value chain, from mining to battery production, to reduce reliance on imports. The company has secured strategic partnerships, including a deal with AMG Critical Materials, and is actively working on financing options to support its development plans. This includes potential backing from European development banks, which could significantly aid in capital expenditures. BEST MOMENTS "The fundamentals that drive growth in these two markets are just becoming stronger. The prospects for a very good opportunity from 27 and beyond become stronger also." "We have improved some of the facilities that we have in the villages... just the fact that you show a work area that is proper, tidy, neat, makes a big difference." "We know that we are still significantly undervalued versus some of the international peers on a price-to-net-asset-value comparison." VALUABLE RESOURCES Mail:        [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ X:              https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast  Web:        http://www.mining-international.org This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer: Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard Construction risk reviews Asset criticality assessments and more Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com GUEST SOCIALS Website: https://savannahresources-wwwsavannahresourcescom.azurewebsites.net/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/savannah-resources-plc/ X: https://x.com/savannahres ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD [email protected] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ Podcast Description Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.