Dates26 Apr 2022 16:10
Mining decisions 2022/2023, DFS will be ready by the same date, Mining in 2026
Severoceské doly is ready to invest approximately 12 to 14 billion crowns in the lithium mining project at Cínovec in the Ore Mountains. Mining could begin in 2026. The director of Severoceské doly (SD) Ivo Pegrímek told CTK and Czech Radio today in Ústí nad Labem. Ore mining and processing would employ about 1,000 people. 2.5 million tons of ore could be mined annually. He wants to decide whether to start mining at the turn of this year and next. Today, regional representatives approved the acquisition of an update of the principles of territorial development due to lithium mining.
According to estimates, about three percent of the world's lithium reserves, which are used in the production of batteries, are located in Cínovec. Deep mining is being prepared by the company Geomet, mostly owned by Severoceské doly. It is expected that the initial processing, such as crushing the extracted ore, will be done directly in the mine. The chosen technology enables the extraction of approximately 54 million tons of ore, said Pegrímek.
The Ústí nad Labem Region, CEZ and Geomet have signed a memorandum concerning support for lithium production and the construction of a factory for battery cells for electric vehicles, which is planned in Prunérov in the Chomutov region. CEZ wants to have a decision on whether to start lithium mining at the turn of this year and next, said CEZ Deputy Chairman of the Board Pavel Cyrani. A feasibility study will be completed by then. The process of assessing the impact of mining on the environment has already begun. The planned gigafactory will create about 3,000 jobs. Employees of the coal industry can find employment here, which is gradually dampening.
According to the governor, lithium mining and processing is an opportunity for development for the region. "Mining is deep, there will be strict operating conditions. Lithium must have a so-called green label, "said Governor Jan Schiller (YES). In a memorandum, CEZ and Geomet guaranteed that lithium production in the Ore Mountains would under no circumstances affect the protection area of ??the Erzgebirge / Ore Mountains Mining Region, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A forest that gives way to lithium production will be compensated by planting a new forest or restoring peatlands.
The reason for updating the principles of territorial development is the effort to create territorial conditions for lithium mining, including accompanying metals such as tin or tungsten at the Cínovec deposit, its treatment and processing into ore concentrate and subsequent production of tradable intermediate product (lithium carbonate) for industrial use. . The update will take eight to 12 months, after which representatives will vote.
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