Scholz emphasizes the importance of lithium mining

Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz has emphasized the importance of lithium mining in Germany. "If the transition to e-mobility is to succeed, there must also be enough lithium for our industry," said the SPD politician in Freiberg, Saxony. "We need this and other critical raw materials - firstly through reliable and diversified supply chains and secondly by promoting domestic mining."

Scholz and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited the Saxon Upper Mining Authority to find out about environmentally friendly lithium mining. Lithium is needed to build batteries for electric cars.

High demand

"The demand for this raw material will be enormous and it is therefore important to realize as many projects as possible in Europe," said the Chancellor. There needs to be a high level of acceptance for mining locally. "This is because citizens are often concerned about whether such projects will have a negative impact on the environment." This is why high standards of environmental protection and sustainability are important.

At the end of August, Scholz had already visited Freiberg to find out about the project near Altenberg. It is intended to cover the annual demand for battery-grade lithium hydroxide of one million batteries for average-sized electric cars.

The EU agreed a lithium deal with Serbia in July. Together with EU Commission Vice-President Maros Sefcovic, Scholz signed a declaration of intent in Belgrade to enable environmentally friendly extraction of the light metal in the Jadar Valley. Europe's largest lithium deposit is located there.

Protests in Serbia

In Serbia, however, there is considerable opposition to the project from environmentalists. The potential extraction areas are located in the scenic valley of the Jadar River. Local residents fear pollution of the groundwater and other harmful effects. Scientists are also warning of possible negative consequences.

The Serbian government had revoked a license granted to the mining company Rio Tinto for lithium mining in 2022 because it feared that the ruling parties would perform poorly in the upcoming parliamentary elections following mass protests. In July of this year, the Constitutional Court, which is not considered independent, overturned the revocation of 2022. The new attempt to extract lithium in the Jadar Valley once again triggered mass protests. Many people in Serbia distrust the semi-authoritarian government's promises to comply with all environmental standards.