ESIA
Environmental and Social Impact Assessment.
What it’s all about. How you can have your say.
What happens next.
Zinnwald Lithium operates in accordance with German and European guidelines and uses voluntary procedures such as environmental and social impact assessments (ESIA).
- Underground lithium mine in the municipality of Altenberg
- Approximately 9 km of underground conveyor tunnel to the processing plant near Liebenau
- Facilities for ore processing, production of lithium hydroxide (battery grade) and dry storage for overburden.
- Supplying European industry with regional lithium hydroxide.
- Develop high added value and numerous jobs in the region
It is a voluntary, comprehensive study of ecological and social compatibility. Independent experts examine and evaluate the potential ecological and social impacts of a project in the region. The results are monitored during implementation so that any unforeseen impacts can be addressed.
Overall, it aims to identify potential risks at an early stage.
Recognised procedures support us in our cooperation with local people
The USVP investigation framework is the first formal step in the USVP process after the project has begun. It helps to set the direction for the aspects to be examined in more detail later.
- It provides an overview of the potential environmental and social impacts of the project.
- It explains what is already known about the area and what still needs to be determined.
- It outlines the area that could be affected by the project.
- It contains a plan for the scope of the full ESIA and the methodology for its implementation.
- It contains a plan for the scope of the full ESIA and the methodology for its implementation.
Phases of the ESIA process
1.
Project start
Planning, fieldwork and overall implementation
2 (Current Phase)
Report on the scope of the study
Data collection, evaluations, the situation, determination of impacts and scope of the study
3.
Environmental and social impact assessment
Assessment of potential impacts
4.
Management plans Framework for environmental and social plans
Commitments and mitigation measures, as well as instructions on environmental, social and health issues to be observed
The investigation process has identified several environmental and social issues that may be affected by the planned project
The following aspects will be investigated further:
- Air quality and emissions
- Surface water and groundwater resources
- Biodiversity and protected areas (including Natura 2000)
- Noise and vibrations
- Soil
- Landscape and visual appearance
- Waste, residues and use hazardous substances
Other areas of investigation for the ESIA include:
- Land acquisition and livelihoods
- Health, safety and protection of the population
- Local infrastructure and public services
- Cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage
- Working conditions
- Human rights
Zinnwald Lithium develops strategies to mitigate the risks of impacts and implements them during the course of the project. They are based on the following mitigation hierarchy:
As a stakeholder, your contribution is crucial to the environmental and social assessment process, ensuring that local concerns and priorities are fully taken into account. Zinnwald Lithium is committed to transparency and inclusive development. That is why stakeholder engagement plays an important role in the assessment process.
Online / Digital
In person / Analogue
Publication / Interpretation
(10 November to 7 December 2025)
www.lithium-im-erzgebirge.de
Distribution points (town hall): Altenberg, Bad Gottleuba- Berggießhübel, Glashütte and Liebstadt
Your feedback / comments / notes / questions
Preferably by email: feedback@zinnwaldlithium.de Telephone +49 351 20603835 (answering machine)
In writing: Zinnwald Lithium GmbH Antonstraße 3a, 01099 Dresden
Processing your feedback
- Summary of relevant topics
- Assignment to experts responsible for the subject area
- Statement from the relevant experts within 4 weeks
- Revision of ESIA documents
Document downloads
Why
Zinnwald Lithium?
Zinnwald Lithium is seeking to build a world-leading, highly economic business that will uphold high environmental standards. Find out more about the investment case.
