“The aim . . . is to not only extract but also refine this raw...

“The aim . . . is to not only extract but also refine this raw material in the Czech Republic to the fullest possible extent — at least to the form of lithium carbonate — and [for this] to be followed by the production of lithium batteries,” says Frantisek Kotrba, a spokesman for the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

“A new lithium industry could gradually emerge in our country. We seem to have sufficient input stocks, an educated workforce, promising scientific capacities and a great tradition in the automotive industry, in addition to a unique strategic location in the heart of Europe,” he adds. “It [could] be a very important source of future state budget revenues.”

The ministry says that ore mining is likely to yield 450 jobs, once European Metals’ project is fully operational. If the whole value chain — from mining to battery production — were to end up in the Czech Republic, it reckons that 5,500 jobs could be created.

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