Savannah Resources PLC Board Updates Strengthen Barroso Lithium

Highlights

• Savannah Resources PLC appoints Paulo Pinto as Non-Executive Director and Dale Ferguson continues as Chief Technical Officer

• Board changes aim to support development and operational milestones of the Barroso Lithium Project

• Project remains a key component of Europe’s battery-grade lithium supply chain

Savannah Resources strengthens its Board with technical and strategic leadership as the Barroso Lithium Project progresses, enhancing Europe’s lithium supply chain.

Savannah Resources PLC operates within the mining and lithium sector, focusing on the development of the Barroso Lithium Project in northern Portugal. The project has been classified as a 'Strategic Project' under the European Commission's Critical Raw Materials Act, marking it as Europe’s largest spodumene lithium resource. Savannah Resources is listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange under the ticker SAV and is monitored through the FTSE AIM 100 Index. The company emphasises sustainable lithium extraction, environmental responsibility, and contributions to the European battery industry through local supply chains.

Board Changes at Savannah Resources PLC

Savannah Resources has announced two significant changes to its Board. Dale Ferguson, after twelve years of service on the Board, has stepped down but continues as Chief Technical Officer. Mr Ferguson played a key role in transitioning the C-100 concession from feldspar to lithium and guiding the project through technical validation and economic feasibility stages. His continued role ensures leadership continuity during critical project phases such as financing, construction, and operational preparation.

Paulo Pinto, representing the company’s substantial shareholders Grupo Lusiaves SGPS, S.A and Pluris Investments, S.A, has joined the Board as a Non-Executive Director. With over thirty years of experience in banking and financial services, Mr Pinto adds governance expertise and strategic insight. His presence on the Board strengthens connectivity with key Portuguese stakeholders and complements Savannah Resources’ executive team as the Barroso Project moves into construction and operational planning.

Who Is Paulo Pinto and What Expertise Does He Bring?

Paulo Pinto has extensive experience in corporate and SME banking, strategic planning, structured finance, and mergers and acquisitions. He has served on the boards of multiple financial institutions and currently holds an executive position at Pluris Investments. His professional background includes executive education from institutions such as Stanford GSB, MIT, INSEAD, and London Business School, complemented by certifications in financial analysis.

By joining Savannah Resources, Mr Pinto contributes a structured approach to corporate governance, stakeholder alignment, and strategic oversight. His external perspective on business operations in Portugal provides additional depth to Board discussions and decision-making, particularly in relation to project financing and regulatory considerations.

Impact of Board Changes on Project Development

The Board changes maintain a balance between technical and strategic oversight. Dale Ferguson’s continued role as Chief Technical Officer ensures uninterrupted technical leadership over the Barroso Lithium Project. Paulo Pinto’s appointment introduces governance expertise and financial oversight, enhancing engagement with shareholders and regulatory authorities. This dual focus supports structured execution of project milestones while upholding environmental and corporate governance standards.

Strategic Objectives for the Barroso Lithium Project

The Barroso Lithium Project is central to Savannah Resources’ operations, providing Europe with a locally sourced supply of battery-grade lithium. Key objectives include advancing construction and operational readiness, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and supporting the European Commission’s Critical Raw Materials Act objectives. By developing the largest spodumene lithium resource in Europe, Savannah Resources contributes to regional industrial growth and the European battery value chain.

Operational and Governance Framework

Savannah Resources maintains structured relationships with major shareholders, formalised through relationship agreements with Grupo Lusiaves and Pluris Investments. These agreements outline voting rights, proportional shareholding protections, and mechanisms for arm’s length transactions. Such governance frameworks ensure that corporate decisions, including Board appointments and project funding, are managed transparently and objectively.

The company’s governance approach integrates technical expertise, strategic oversight, and stakeholder engagement. Executive roles focus on operational execution and technical validation, while Non-Executive Directors provide financial and regulatory oversight. This combination enables Savannah Resources to advance project milestones with clarity, discipline, and adherence to environmental standards.

Contribution to Europe’s Lithium Supply Chain

The Barroso Lithium Project supports Europe’s energy transition by supplying battery-grade lithium locally. Savannah Resources emphasises sustainable extraction and minimal environmental impact while contributing to European industrial and energy objectives. The project is positioned to supply lithium for battery production at scale, supporting initiatives under the European Commission’s Critical Raw Materials Act.

Monitoring and Index Inclusion

Savannah Resources is included in the FTSE AIM 100 Index, highlighting its presence among mid-cap companies listed on the AIM Market. The company’s performance and corporate developments are tracked by stakeholders and market observers as part of broader assessments of strategic mineral resources and the lithium sector in Europe.

Environmental and Sustainability Considerations

Sustainability is a core focus of Savannah Resources’ operations. The company prioritises responsible lithium extraction, minimising environmental impact, and ensuring compliance with European and local regulatory requirements. Measures include land management, water usage control, and strategies to reduce ecological disruption, supporting long-term socio-economic and environmental goals.

How Savannah Resources Engages with Stakeholders

Savannah Resources maintains transparent and structured engagement with shareholders, regulators, and local communities. This includes disclosure of Board changes, operational updates, and project developments. Structured shareholder agreements guide corporate governance, ensuring alignment with long-term operational and environmental objectives. Engagement strategies prioritise clarity, transparency, and accountability.

Technical Leadership and Project Execution

Dale Ferguson’s leadership as Chief Technical Officer focuses on ensuring project execution aligns with technical specifications and regulatory requirements. His expertise includes project design, resource management, and feasibility assessment. This role remains critical as Savannah Resources prepares for financing, construction, and operational phases of the Barroso Lithium Project.

Financial and Strategic Oversight

Paulo Pinto’s role as Non-Executive Director introduces financial and strategic oversight to complement technical operations. He provides guidance on corporate governance, project financing, and alignment with shareholder expectations. His participation enhances decision-making processes and supports the structured progression of project milestones.

Corporate Governance and Regulatory Compliance

Savannah Resources operates within a governance framework that ensures compliance with the AIM Market regulations and the European Critical Raw Materials Act. The company follows transparent reporting standards, maintains clear Board structures, and upholds shareholder agreements to safeguard operational and strategic objectives.