Citizens' initiative raises the alarm: Lithium mine in the Easter Mountains endangered!

Citizens' initiative raises the alarm: Lithium mine in the Easter Mountains endangered!

In the heart of the Easter Mountains, it is bubbling: The planned development of a lithium mine in Zinnwald not only ensures conversation, but also heated debates among residents. Because the Sächsische.de reports that the State Directorate of Saxony opened the space impact assessment for this ambitious project. The aim is to thoroughly evaluate possible effects on the environment, such as settlement development and traffic.

The Zinnwald Lithium company intends to reduce 1.5 million tons of rock every year. The dismantling is to take place below the old mining in Zinnwald, while the preparation system for 16,000 to 18,000 tons of lithium hydroxide is to be built near Liebenau per year. The residues are stored on a heap, which also raises questions about environmental compatibility. Insight into the complete documents of the examination is made possible between July 7 and August 31, 2025 in several cities and online on the announcement portal of the State Directorate of Saxony, as well as Media Service Saxony

Citizens' initiatives are encouraged

Not everyone agrees with the project. Various citizens 'initiatives, including the Bärenstein Citizens' Initiative, have formed to protest the mining project. They fear the effects on nature and quality of life in the region. The public debate clearly shows that many citizens want to contribute and want to raise their voices. You have the opportunity to do so: Statements can be made by August 31, 2025.

The State Directorate Saxony emphasizes that the examination serves the requirements of the spatial planning and also takes into account the ideas of the Free State for national development. The transparency and the inclusion of the citizens are the central aspects of the procedure to ensure that all concerns are observed.

procedure in detail

The planned area for the mine comprises around 110 hectares, which are to be used for the preparation of the rockey as well as for warehouse and depot areas. The transport of the rockey to the processing system is realized via a tape system, with several variants to choose from. The spatial impact assessment is previously prejudiced to the mandatory planning approval procedure, according to which the final decision on the project will be made. The results of the transparent citizen participation flow into the further plans.

The anticipation for new jobs and economic impulses are offset by the concerns about the environment and quality of life. It remains exciting how the discussion will develop. The currents in the region are clear: here not only resources are, but also feelings and beliefs that the community has to share.