Greens want strict rules for raw material extraction

In the opinion of the Greens, the extraction of raw materials must not be at the expense of nature. They therefore insist on clear rules and standards for the mining of lithium as well. "Greater independence in key raw materials must not come at the expense of our natural livelihoods. The gold-rush mood of individual investors is rightly viewed with suspicion by the population in the Eastern Ore Mountains," explained Wolfram Günther, former Minister for Energy, Climate Protection, Environment and Agriculture.

Greens want guard rails for lithium mining and citizen participation

A motion by the Greens in the state parliament is intended to set guard rails for lithium mining. "The aim is to link the extraction of raw materials with the strictest ecological, water management and social standards. At the same time, the protection of the unique natural and cultural landscape should be ensured," the parliamentary group announced. The Greens would take the concerns of local residents seriously. "With our motion, we are putting the issue on the agenda of state politics. Because those who are blind to nature conservation will not be able to enjoy the profits of mining for long."

"Lithium is needed for the energy transition and technological progress. But mining must not take place at the expense of drinking water, peatlands, protected areas or the local population," argued Günther. His party wants extraction to take place only under the strictest conditions - with transparent public participation, publicly accessible monitoring and a clear European value creation perspective. "The protection of nature and the region must take priority. This is the only way to achieve a fair balance between raw material interests and sustainable development."

Greens with motion on lithium

In their motion, the Greens demand that the Saxon government provide comprehensive reports on the status of the mining law process, close cooperation with the Czech Republic, protection of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Erzgebirge/Krušné hory and a strengthening of the responsible authorities in line with requirements, among other things. At federal and EU level, they are pushing for a reform of mining law and clear European guidelines for the sustainable extraction of raw materials.

Deposit should last for around 70 years

The company Zinnwald Lithium GmbH wants to build a mine for the extraction of lithium ore in the Altenberg area. Around 1.5 million tons of lithium ore are to be extracted annually - at a depth of 100 to 400 meters. The deposit will last for around 70 years. Managing Director Marko Uhlig describes the mining process as "sustainable, low-disturbance and low-risk". Processing is to take place nine kilometers away in Liebenau.

Development of the deposit will cost one billion euros

According to a preliminary study, the planned lithium mining is feasible. The project is economically, geologically and ecologically feasible, Managing Director Uhlig recently summarized the results of the investigations. The development of the deposit is estimated to cost one billion euros. If everything goes according to plan, construction of the mine could begin in 2028, with production starting two years later. The company anticipates up to 1,200 direct and indirect jobs.