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 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.
