Discords regarding potential lithium sources in Europe

Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 10 October 2021 at 10:09:41 UTC
Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 18 February 2022 at 09:40:41 UTC
Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 23 July 2022 at 11:21:19 UTC
Sentinel-2 MSI acquired on 09 October 2022 at 10:38:39 UTC
Author(s): Sentinel Vision team, VisioTerra, France - svp@visioterra.fr
Keyword(s): Land, mine, natural ressources, climate change, power, pollution, Serbia, France, Portugal, Germany, Czech Republic
Fig. 1 - S2 (09.10.2022) - Lithium could be produced in Echassières (Massif Central, France).
3D view 3D view
The potential of the Beauvoir site is estimated at between 375 000-1 000 000 tonnes of lithium, the largest in France. Another project is under study at Lauterbourg, Alsace. In another project in Tréguennec village, Britanny, more than 600 people protested against lithium mining.
Fig. 2 - S2 (18.02.2022) - At the large world-class Jadar deposit in western Serbia, strong local opposition led the government to cancel mining rights.
2D view
As more potential lithium sources are studied, Europe-sourced batteries may accelerate the conversion from fuel-powered to electric cars. As many of these projects are contested, several issues are raised: Some prefer importing lithium to externalize land degradation at the cost of strategic autonomy and commercial balance. Other tackle the question of switching over 1 billion thermal vehicles to electric equivalent without changing the use. Finally, coal-, oil- or gas-produced energy used to power these cars would still emit greenhouse gas these cars are supposed to avoid.
Fig. 3 - S2 (23.07.2022) - In northern Portugal, the verdict of the environmental authority is awaited.
2D view
According to the mayor of Boticas municipality, 95% of the local population have rejected plans for the lithium mine.
Fig. 4 - S2 (10.10.2021) - A large known lithium deposit in Europe is two-thirds in Cinovec, Czech Republic, one-third in Zinnwald, Germany.
2D view
The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Space Agency or the European Union.
Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2024, processed by VisioTerra.
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