Lithium revolution in the Ore Mountains: Test procedures start in July!

Lithium revolution in the Ore Mountains: Test procedures start in July!

In the Easter Mountains, something is happening - and that could bring a real boost for the region! The State Directorate of Saxony has now opened a procedure for the spatial impact assessment for lithium deposits. The aim of this procedure is to clarify whether the planned lithium reduction is compatible with the development goals of the Free State of Saxony. These exams are not only important, but also a prerequisite for the further approval procedure, such as the mm Logistik reported.

The planned measures of the Zinnwald Lithium GmbH company are ambitious: A new mine for lithium ore extraction is to be built near Altenberg. The promotion of around 1.5 million tons of lithium ore per year is planned, and below the historical old mining in Zinnwald. In addition to the extraction, large areas are also required for the preparation of the rockey - about 110 hectares, which then also include the preparation systems and a residual material in Liebenau.

Citizen participation and insights

citizens have the opportunity to actively participate in this process. From July 7th to August 31, 2025, the application documents in Altenberg, Bad Gottleuba-Berggießhübel, Glashütte, Liebstadt and the Saxon Switzerland-Eastern Mountains in the district office can be viewed. If you want, you can also address information directly to the state directorate. The documents are also available online on the Saxony State Directorate, such as n-tv

To ensure that the various interests are preserved, the examination of the space compatibility will take a close look at the effects on settlement development, transport, economy, agriculture and forestry and even trendy tourism. With around 120 institutions that are informed about the procedure and are called for comment, it can be seen that many voices want to be heard here, as well as mentioned.

economic perspectives

An important aspect of the project is also the economic dimension: the development of the deposit is estimated at around one billion euros. The company expects the creation of up to 1,200 direct and indirect jobs - a real opportunity for the region! The preliminary study certifies that the lithium reduction is economically, geologically and ecologically implementable, which ensures optimistic expectations. The official start of construction was already targeted for 2028, with the start of production two years later.

For the region, this could be a golden opportunity. It remains to be seen how the discussions about the spatial effects test are and what effects the lithium reduction will actually bring. In any case, the coming months in the Easter Mountains promise to be exciting!