Greens want strict rules for raw material extraction - Greens Push for Transparency in Saxon Lithium Mining Plans
The Greens in Saxony have submitted a motion to the state parliament, urging the Saxon government to provide detailed updates on the progress of mining law proceedings for lithium extraction. Zinnwald Lithium GmbH, the company behind the project, assures a 'sustainable, low-impact, and low-risk' extraction process.
The Greens are pushing for clear rules and standards to safeguard natural habitats. They demand comprehensive reports, collaboration with the Czech Republic, protection of UNESCO World Heritage sites, and bolstering of responsible authorities from the Saxon government. On a federal and EU level, they advocate for mining law reform and clear European guidelines for sustainable raw material extraction.
The Greens also insist on transparent citizen participation, publicly accessible monitoring, and a clear European value-added perspective for lithium extraction. They aim to link raw material extraction with stringent ecological, water management, and social standards, while preserving unique landscapes.
Zinnwald Lithium GmbH plans to establish a mine in Altenberg, with an annual production capacity of 1.5 million tons of lithium ore. The reserve is estimated to last around 70 years. The processing of the extracted ore is set to take place nine kilometers away from the mine, in Liebenau.
The Greens' motion highlights the need for transparency and responsible management in the lithium extraction process. Zinnwald Lithium GmbH's plans, if approved, could significantly impact the region's economy and environment for decades to come.
