The National Commission for Public Debate (CNCP) released its findings on September 30 regarding France’s largest lithium mine project after a five-month public discussion. Despite the implications for the EU’s drive for domestic production of critical raw materials, opinions on the EMILI project remain divided.
Launched by French mining company Imerys in October 2022, the EMILI project aims to extract lithium from a deposit located in Échassières, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of central France. Over five months, the CNCP organized 42 events that drew 3,628 participants, revealing a split in public sentiment.
The CNCP report noted contrasting views on mining: some see it as outdated and harmful, while others believe technological advancements can mitigate its environmental impact. The scale of the €1 billion project, which is expected to operate for 25 years and produce enough lithium annually to power 700,000 electric vehicles, has raised concerns among locals. The project includes facilities for lithium ore extraction and crushing, a rail loading platform in Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort, and a transformation factory in Montluçon.
Public perceptions regarding mining were also highlighted, with some participants arguing that the urgency of climate change necessitates increased lithium production in France. Conversely, others advocated for reduced energy consumption and criticized consumerism’s impact on the environment.
A testbed for Europe
Lithium is essential for battery production, and the EU views it, along with other critical raw materials, as vital for energy independence and economic leadership in clean technologies. In March, the EU adopted its Critical Raw Materials Act, which sets domestic extraction and recycling targets.
Recent reforms to France’s Mining Code, effective July, aim to streamline the permitting process for new mining projects. However, skepticism remains about the viability of large-scale mining in the EU, especially regarding local acceptance of such initiatives and the complexities of environmental regulations.
Local concerns
While political leaders focus on sovereignty and energy independence, local residents remain unconvinced about the merits of the Allier lithium mine. The CNDP report indicates significant public apprehension about the project’s environmental impact.
Residents in Saint-Bonnet, where a loading platform is proposed, expressed a desire to maintain their rural identity and oppose polluting activities. Key issues include the management of 1.35 million tonnes of waste from the mine and an additional 600,000 to 800,000 tonnes from the conversion plant. Locals seek assurances that these residues will not contaminate water resources.
Another major concern involves the project’s water requirements, estimated at 1.2 million cubic meters, drawing from two local river basins that already face chronic shortages.
Recommendations
The CNDP’s recommendations urge Imerys, electricity network operator RTE, and the French government to clarify decision-making criteria regarding the mine’s operation and its overall carbon footprint. They also call for greater transparency from the mining company, local involvement in project management, and training opportunities for local job seekers.
The CNDP encourages the government to broaden the dialogue around critical materials supply strategies and mining activities. The project’s developers now have three months to respond to these proposals.
