German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is pushing for increased lithium mining in Europe to support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), which is critical for achieving climate goals. During a visit to Freiberg, Scholz emphasized the need for reliable and diversified supply chains for raw materials, particularly lithium and the importance of domestic mining. He stressed that while transitioning to e-mobility is crucial, there must also be enough lithium to meet industrial demand.
Scholz, alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, visited the Saxony Mining Authority to explore sustainable lithium extraction practices in the region. They also discussed the potential use of German technology in Serbia for environmentally responsible mining. Serbia and the European Union signed a lithium agreement in July, but the project has sparked protests due to concerns about groundwater contamination.
Acknowledging these environmental concerns, Scholz underlined that high environmental standards must be maintained during mining operations. The planned lithium project in Freiberg aims to produce 15,000 tons of battery-grade lithium hydroxide annually, enough to supply about 1 million electric car batteries each year. This move reflects Germany’s broader strategy to secure raw materials and strengthen its position as Europe’s industrial hub.
