Plans to tap Europe’s second-largest lithium reserves are meeting resistance in the Ore Mountains, where residents are split over a proposed mining project that could bring jobs but also disrupt the local tourism economy.
Privately held Zinnwald Lithium aims to begin extracting lithium-rich ore from the region in 2030, with the goal of producing battery-grade lithium hydroxide for Europe’s fast-growing electric vehicle and energy storage industries. The project promises hundreds of new jobs and fresh investment in an area with deep mining traditions.
But in the border village of Zinnwald, opposition is mounting. Locals worry that large-scale mining will damage the scenic landscape that attracts thousands of tourists each year, threatening one of the region’s main sources of income. Environmental campaigners have also raised concerns about water use, waste, and long-term ecological impacts.
Supporters argue the mine could revive the Ore Mountains’ historic role as a mining hub and help Europe reduce its reliance on imported critical raw materials. Yet with community resistance growing, the future of lithium production in Zinnwald remains uncertain.