Member Info for Rpks

The entire EIA process is completed by issuing a binding opinion by the authority. This is the basis for decision-making in subsequent proceedings, i.e. in the construction proceedings that precede the issuance of a building permit. The authorities conducting these subsequent proceedings must follow the EIA opinion. This means that they cannot issue decisions in subsequent proceedings that are not in accordance with it. The binding opinion is valid for seven years from the date of its issuance; the investor can repeatedly ask the authority to extend the validity of the opinion by five years. The authority then publishes it again on the official notice board and in the EIA information system. Lithium at Cínovec has the support of the government and the European Commission. However, the project is awaiting standard permitting procedures. The lithium mining and processing project at Cínovec has achieved several successes this year. The Czech government first designated the Cínovec deposit as strategic, and the European Commission subsequently included the project among the so-called strategic projects within the framework of CRMA, which is the European Critical Raw Materials Act. Both steps confirm the key importance of the Czech deposit in the pan-European context. Inclusion on the European Commission's strategic list brings a number of advantages to the project, for example, it can facilitate financing or streamline permitting processes. The project would now have the opportunity to receive support from EU financial institutions, but it will also be more attractive to private investors. Obtaining support from the government or the European Commission in no way means that the miner can bypass the EIA or other permitting processes that guarantee the minimization of possible impacts on the environment. The public is protected by these permitting procedures in exactly the same way as without political support. "We welcome the decision of the European Commission, it confirms that the lithium project at Cínovec is of great importance for the Czech Republic and the entire European Union. Lithium is a strategic raw material that the Czech Republic needs to meet ambitious goals in the areas of raw material and energy security, the development of the automotive industry and the ongoing transformation of coal regions into centers of modern energy. The Czech lithium production project is one of the most important transformation projects in the Ústí nad Labem Region. We expect it to bring approximately 1,800 jobs, where employees of closing coal-fired power plants and mines will be able to find employment, among others," says Pavel Cyrani, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of ČEZ. The lithium mining and processing project at Cínovec is now becoming not only a Czech but also a European priority. The next steps will be aimed at completing legislative processes, and subsequently at starting the actual mining and processing of lithium.

Before starting construction, the investor must go through a number of permitting processes. In the case of a lithium park, in addition to the EIA or building permit, it also involves updating the Principles of Territorial Development of the Ústí nad Labem Region. A number of permitting processes are already in process, their aim being to prevent the project from potentially significantly affecting the surroundings. For example, the EIA process includes several key steps. Before the EIA process itself, it is necessary to prepare a so-called Investigation Procedure. Part of this Investigation Procedure is also an assessment of the impact on the NATURA 2000 system. The Investigation Procedure for the upper plant, where the portal to the deep mine will be created, has already been carried out in the past and the comments received are reflected in the project. Geomet is currently waiting for the results of the Investigation Procedure for the processing plant and the transport of ore to the processing plant. Only after evaluating the conclusions from both Investigation Procedures can the EIA documentation itself be completed, which must also be processed in greater detail in accordance with the legislation. The EIA documentation will include, for example, a noise and dispersion study and its purpose is to assess the impact of the project on the environment in detail. The documentation will be prepared by independent experts and, after submission, the regional authority will publish it on the official noticeboard and in the EIA information system. The prerequisite for submitting the EIA documentation is by the end of 2025. The relevant authority will then have an independent assessment prepared for the prepared EIA documentation. This is prepared by an authorized person designated by the authority (other than the one who prepared the documentation). The purpose of the assessment is to independently assess the accuracy and completeness of the documentation and the solutions to the negative environmental impacts proposed therein. The assessment will also assess the submitted comments on the documentation. Subsequently, the authority may order that a public hearing be convened on the project. This takes place only if the public expresses its disagreement with the submitted documentation; the public may raise questions about the project at the public hearing. The public hearing will take place within 30 days of the date on which the public could comment on the documentation. The public can participate in the EIA The public can express their views twice throughout the EIA process. Anyone can send their written comments to the authority within 30 days of the publication of the relevant documents. Alternatively, the public can raise their questions at the public hearing. If someone subsequently disagrees with the result of the EIA process, they can request the cancellation of the issued opinion.

The mining part of the project covers the project "DP and POPD Cínovec - determination of the mining area and extraction of part of the lithium, tin and tungsten reserves by deep mining method" under the code MZP506 in the EIA Information System. At the same time, the production of some by-products is not excluded.

Expected construction start date: 2027

Expected construction commissioning date: 2030

The operation period of the project is expected to be 28 years.

Https://portal.cenia.cz/eiasea/detail/EIA_MZP529?lang=en

last modifications 4.6.2025

Https://portal.cenia.cz/eiasea/download/RUlBX01aUDUyOV96amlzdG92YWNpRE9DXzI1OTc1NDg2MDE1MDYwMTE2MTIucGRm/MZP529_zjistovaci.pdf

Https://www.ceskelithium.cz/cs/novinky/geomet-vyzyva-potencialni-dodavatele-k-ucasti-v-ptk-220595

GEOMET, s.r.o. is launching a preliminary market consultation on the upcoming public contract for the implementation of the lithium mining and processing project in Cínovec. The aim of the consultation is an open dialogue with potential suppliers in the areas of earthworks and construction works, steel structures, piping systems and electrical installations. The consultation will take place in the form of a questionnaire and its outputs will contribute to setting the terms of reference so that they reflect the needs of the contracting authority and enable broad participation of suppliers. Applications are accepted until May 30, 2025.

https://www.cez.cz/webpublic/file/edee/2025/05/vyzva-k-ucasti-v-predbezne-trzni-konzultaci.pdf

Page 3 and 4 are in English.

The current concept of the potential resumption of profitable mining is based on the assumption of higher prices for tin and tungsten and the use of new technologies in mining and processing of ore, but mainly on the prospectively growing importance of lithium for the modern economy of the 21st century and the shift away from energy production from fossil sources. I am convinced that it is now also the duty of the Czech state administration authorities, in cooperation with the business sector, to support not only the implementation of this project into its final form in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 on critical raw materials, thus bringing not only lithium production, but also the technological capability of the Czech industry in the production of the final product (batteries, etc.) with higher added value... ;)

Based on the latest available information, EMH plans to complete the DFS for lithium mining in Cínovec in mid-2025. This date is confirmed in several official company announcements, which state that the DFS results are expected "in mid-2025".

The phrase "in mid-2025" usually refers to the period around June or July, not before mid-year. This date has been updated from the original plan to complete the DFS in the first quarter of 2024, the reason for the postponement being the change of location of the processing plant from Dukla to Prunéřov and the related need for additional geotechnical surveys and modifications to the project documentation.

In parallel with the DFS, the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) documentation is underway, which should be completed and submitted for approval by the end of 2025.

Cadellin

https://ekonomickydenik.cz/stat-podpori-tezbu-lithia-800milionovou-dotaci/

The production of tin, tungsten and other industrial metals is also expected to improve the economics of operation.

Congratulations to everyone who persevered and didn't let anyone discourage them!!!

Tonight I will have a toast with you all remotely. :-)

Https://mpo.gov.cz/cz/rozcestnik/pro-media/tiskove-zpravy/strategicky-krok-pro-cesko-zasoby-lithia-na-cinovci-a-hornim-slavkove-jako-loziska-strategickeho-vyznamu--286453/

Strategic step for the Czech Republic: Lithium reserves in Cínovec and Horní Slavkov as deposits of strategic importance

Fundamental importance for ensuring the raw material security of the Czech Republic, reducing dependence on imports of critical raw materials from third countries and possible profit from lithium mining for the Czech Republic. The government approved a draft regulation on the determination of deposits of strategic importance in the Cínovec and Horní Slavkov areas.

"Thanks to lithium mining in our territory and the planned investments in the Czech Republic, we can build an entire supply chain for the production of batteries for electric vehicles. These steps will increase our competitiveness, kick-start the economy and create new jobs. At the same time, we will reduce dependence on imports from third countries, especially China and South America," says Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček, adding that lithium is a key raw material for the production of batteries for electric vehicles and other equipment that is essential for the transition to clean energy.

Lithium deposits in the Cínovce and Horní Slavkov areas have been designated as deposits of strategic importance, which will allow for the application of simplified permitting processes. This status ensures that the extraction and use of these raw materials will be managed in a way that brings maximum benefit to the Czech economy and supports domestic industry. Thanks to this measure, the state will be able to actively support the involvement of Czech and European companies in the entire value chain. This will ensure that a significant part of the value and profit created will remain in the Czech Republic and contribute to economic growth.

“The designation of lithium reserves as deposits of strategic importance will allow the state to actively influence the development of mining and ensure that lithium will be used in accordance with the country’s long-term economic and environmental goals,” says Eduard Muřický, Senior Director of the Economy Section.

Priority access for strategic partners within the Czech Republic and the European Union will support the development of domestic industry and strengthen the competitiveness of the region. Limiting speculative investments will help protect deposits from entities that could export raw materials without adding value to the Czech economy.

The extraction of these deposits will contribute to reducing the risk of disruption of the supply of critical raw materials, as set out in Regulation 2024/1252 of the European Parliament and of the Council. The Regulation will enter into force on the fifteenth day after its publication.

RPKS: I'll take a break for a moment now, I'll come back here to check when we're at least 20! :-)

Https://vlada.gov.cz/cz/media-centrum/aktualne/vysledky-jednani-vlady-5--brezna-2025-218615/

5. Draft government regulation on the determination of deposits of strategic importance in the Cínovec and Horní Slavkov areas

Ref. 120/25

Submitted by: Minister of Industry and Trade

Result of government proceedings: approved.

Yes, today from 2:30 p.m. (Frankfurt time) there is a government meeting:

https://vlada.gov.cz/cz/media-centrum/ocekavane-udalosti/5--brezna-2025-schuze-vlady-cr-218591/

Https://ekonomickydenik.cz/cesko-nestihlo-termin-u-legislativy-pro-strategicke-suroviny-ted-to-dohani/

Whoever wants, let him sell, whoever wants to hold, let him keep holding, whoever wants to buy, let him buy. The spring must first be properly compressed before it can fire. The price is going down, but the volumes are low. I assume that everyone who is here knows how risky this stock is, and if they don't feel comfortable with it, they better get rid of it, they will have a good night's sleep.

For me, yes.

Https://odok.cz/portal/zvlady/jednani-detail/2025-03-05/

Government meeting 5.3.2025

120/25 Draft government regulation on the determination of deposits of strategic importance in the Cínovec and Horní Slavkov areas

Https://sever.rozhlas.cz/na-ministerstvo-zivotniho-prostredi-prisl0-zhruba-100-pripominek-k-tezbe-lithia-9419027

The intention to mine lithium near Cínovec in the Teplice region has received around a hundred comments. Veronika Krejčí, a spokesperson for the Ministry of the Environment, told Czech Radio.

The ministry will now evaluate the investigation procedure, in which it will address the comments of all affected authorities, local governments and the public.

The lithium mining is planned by the company Geomet, which is majority owned by the ČEZ group.

Based on the comments, the ministry will determine the most important areas that need to be taken into account in the EIA documentation and focus on them in detail.

Out of a hundred comments, five were sent by municipalities, and the regional office of the Ústí nad Labem Region also commented on the plan. Over 80 comments were sent by residents.

According to Veronika Krejčí, the public's comments coincide in more than half of the cases.

Https://www.zitteplice.cz/tezba-lithia-na-cinovci-postoupila-do-dalsiho-kroku/

Krupka sent comments on the lithium mining and processing plan. She mentioned eight general requirements and comments. These include, for example, the assessment of cumulative impacts, the impact on air quality and dust, traffic congestion and noise, and the disruption of the landscape. “The planned transport infrastructure will have a significant visual impact on the landscape of the Ore Mountains. We demand that this impact be minimized, for example by reducing the height of the structures and appropriately integrating them into the landscape,” reads the statement approved by the city councilors.

They also point out that the plan may lead to water contamination in the local area of ​​Fojtovice, where surface water from meadows is the only source of drinking water for local residents. “Given this specific method of water supply, we consider dustiness to be a crucial factor that must be thoroughly analyzed and eliminated by appropriate measures, such as covering the transport system and minimizing dustiness during material handling, within the framework of the project assessment,” the councilors agreed.

In their statement, they also drew attention to the protection of nature and ecosystems. “We demand a detailed analysis of the impact of the project on protected areas and natural sites in the region. It is necessary to ensure that local animal species and ecosystems are not endangered, including the NATURA 2000 area.”

At the same time, they added the required ecological measures, such as covering both branches of the conveyor, monitoring air, noise and water quality, preparing a detailed noise and dispersion study, and minimizing the operating time of the transport system. “We ask the Ministry of the Environment to thoroughly assess our comments and include the required measures in the EIA process,” added Krupka Mayor Jan Kuzma.

Https://ekonomickydenik.cz/ceska-cesta-na-zachranu-automotive-vykazy-emisnich-limitu-jednou-za-pet-let-technologicka-neutralita/

From lithium to cars

According to Minister Kupka, more accessible sources of domestic raw materials are important conditions for the production of batteries, semiconductors and a number of cutting-edge technologies. According to him, Europe is more than 80 percent dependent on the supply of batteries from China. "In the case of some critical battery components, such as anodes and cathodes, the dependence is even more than ninety percent," Kupka noted.

According to the Prime Minister, it is not possible for Europe to depend on unreliable suppliers for something that is strategic. Examples include medicines, chips and energy supplies. "All this shows that our dependence on China and Russia is simply bad and we have to change it. And that is the direction we are heading," said Fiala. According to him, the dependence on Russia has been reversed within a few years.

According to Fiala, the Czech Republic has one of the largest lithium deposits. "It is in our interest to start mining," he added. He described the ideal chain as the process from lithium mining, through battery production, to the final product, i.e. the automobile.