If developed, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project in Western Serbia could cover 90% of Europe's current lithium needs.
Environmental campaigners are challenging the approval of a coking coal mine in northwest England.
Located approximately 400 kilometres northwest of Edmonton, the Buffalo Hills project includes 21 mineral leases covering 4,800 hectares.
Portugal already has the largest copper mine in the European Union, operated by Lundin Mining.