Carinthian lithium reduction: court checks controversial decision!

Carinthian lithium reduction: court checks controversial decision!

Koralpe, Österreich - The planned lithium mining on the Koralpe is currently causing a lot of excitement and heated debates. Despite the determination of the Carinthian state authority that no environmental impact assessment (RRP) is required, there are numerous complaints against this decision. The Federal Administrative Court has now dealt with the ECM Lithium AT GmbH project at an oral hearing, and the decision is still pending. While the tension increases, it should be noted: "Everything is open", as the court says. Kleine Zeitung reports that environmental organizations such as virus sharply criticize the investigation of the state government and speak of lack of care.

The spokesman for Virus, Wolfgang Rehm, clearly says: confirmation of the decision is unlikely. Possible scenarios of the procedure should not be underestimated: the court could remedy the decision, determine an EIPP obligation or refer back to the authority. Adrian Plessin, office manager of business officer Sebastian Schuschnig, rejects the allegations regarding the procedure and emphasizes the correctness of the entire process.

controversial approval

As already mentioned, the Carinthian state authority had the end of 2024 declared that a RRP was not necessary. Global 2000 prompted this decision to officially submit a complaint. Anna Leitner, expert for resources and supply chains at Global 2000, emphasizes that the global mining boom leads to an enormous pressure on the authorities to approve mining projects in no time. "We are calling for a comprehensive RRP, since the interests of the residents and nature conservation are often sacrificed to profit," says Leitner. Global 2000 Culmulation test is criticized in the UVP festival procedure.

In addition, the public discussion also shows the increasing demand for lithium and other raw materials as well as the political framework, such as the Critical Raw Materials Act of the EU, which aims at promoting the mining. Experts are calling for a growth strategy that is combined with circulatory management laws to protect both the environment and the interests of the residents. OTS also emphasizes that a comprehensive expert opinion is requested, about the possible effects on traffic, air and noise to evaluate sufficiently.

The location is tense. No representative of the country was present at the negotiation, which, according to Plessin, was agreed with the court. The ECM Lithium AT GmbH itself is covered and does not release a statement on the procedure. The outcome of this procedure could have a significant impact on the future of lithium mining in Carinthia and beyond.