Scholz pushes for European lithium mining amid environmental concerns

BERLIN

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz made a strong push Tuesday to expand lithium mining in Europe, highlighting its crucial role in the continent's transition to electric vehicles.

“If the switch to e-mobility is to succeed, there must also be enough lithium for our industry,” Scholz said during a visit to Freiberg. “We need this and other critical raw materials -- both through reliable and diversified supply chains and through promoting domestic mining.”

Scholz and his guest, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, visited the Saxony Mining Authority for a briefing on lithium extraction in the region. The leaders discussed the possible use of German technologies for environmentally sustainable lithium mining in Serbia.

While the EU reached a lithium agreement with Belgrade in July, plans to mine one of Europe's largest lithium deposits have triggered widespread protests from environmental groups and residents, who fear potential groundwater contamination.

Scholz acknowledged those concerns, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high environmental standards.

“Citizens often view such projects with concern regarding environmental impact,” he said, adding that sustainability must be a priority in mining operations.

Germany, Europe's largest automaker and industrial powerhouse, seeks to diversify its raw material supply chains and boost production in Europe.

The planned lithium mining project in Freiberg is projected to produce 15,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually.

German authorities said the output would meet the annual demand for 1 million average-sized electric car batteries.