Transcript of the press conference in German only

“We are a country that processes modern raw materials,” Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz said during his visit to the Mining Authority in Freiberg. He added that Germany imported many raw materials from other countries around the world, but that some were also available here, including lithium.

In future, lithium is to be mined in Saxony on a large scale and in an eco-friendly manner. “This will create jobs and prosperity, making it a priority,” the Federal Chancellor wrote on X following his visit. On his visit to the Mining Authority, the Federal Chancellor learned more about the planned project in which Zinnwald Lithium GmbH seeks to realise one of Europe’s greatest lithium mining endeavours near Altenberg. The project is to be realised by 2030, and the company aims to extract the amount of lithium needed for around 600,000 car batteries every year. The project is supported by the Federal Government and the Free State of Saxony.

The State Mining Authority of Saxony in Freiberg enforces the Federal Mining Act. This includes approving operating plans of mining companies and monitoring mining operations. There are deposits of a number of raw materials in Saxony which are classified as critical by the EU Commission. The Federal Government and the Free State of Saxony are considering developing mining activities in Germany with regard to this classification.