Alexandre Lima

   

Associate Professor
University of Porto - FCUP

BIO

Alexandre Lima is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), where he has built a distinguished career in Geology and Earth Sciences. With a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Porto and Université de Lorraine, France, his academic foundation is both rigorous and international. His research spans mineral exploration, geochemistry, and geoarchaeology, with a particular focus on gold and rare metals such as lithium, tin, tantalum, and niobium found in pegmatites. Alexandre Lima is also a pioneer in applying laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) to geological materials, enhancing the precision of mineral identification and provenance studies. Beyond research, he is deeply committed to education and scientific outreach. He directs the Master’s in Geology program at FCUP and has supervised numerous Ph.D. and MSc theses. As a member of the Institute of Earth Sciences (ICT), he collaborates with a broad network of researchers and has contributed to over 100 scientific publications. His work in geoconservation and public engagement reflects a passion for preserving geological heritage and promoting Earth sciences to wider audiences. Alexandre Lima’s career exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, innovative research, and societal impact.

Session 3
21 October 2025 / 14:00 - 15:30 | Lagoas hall

Why Lithium Is an Opportunity for Portugal and Iberia

Portugal and the broader Iberian Peninsula are increasingly recognized for their lithium potential, fueled by the global surge in battery demand related to the energy transition. Portugal, especially in the northern and central regions, hosts significant lithium-bearing mineral deposits, notably in pegmatites. Mineral-rich areas like the Vila Real and Guarda districts have attracted growing exploration and mining interest. Throughout Spain, extensive geological formations conducive to lithium extraction—such as granitic cupolas and metasomatic deposits—are found in regions like Galicia and Extremadura in Spain. Spain and Portugal have made considerable progress in developing lithium projects, positioning Iberia as a strategic player in Europe's energy transition. The favorable geology, ongoing exploration, and future political support could enable Iberia to become a key lithium producer. This potential promotes local economic growth and aligns with Europe's goal to secure critical raw materials domestically, enhancing energy independence and sustainability efforts.