Public Debate Arises Over Lithium Mine Project in Auvergne, France
A substantial lithium mining initiative is underway at Échassières in the Allier region, orchestrated by Imerys, with an anticipated start date in 2028. This project, strongly backed by both the state and local officials, has sparked controversy among the residents concerned about potential environmental impacts, particularly on soil quality and water access.
Imerys France stands as a formidable entity in French industry, operating globally in 57 countries with a workforce of 13,700 employees and achieving sales of €3.8 billion. The company, known for its specialization in the extraction and distribution of non-metallic mineral products, operates 32 industrial units across France through Imerys Ceramics France.
The venture, named "Emeli," was propelled forward in January 2024 after the discovery of lithium in the mica-rich subsoil beneath a kaolin deposit, previously mined for porcelain since 2005. With an average lithium content of 1%, the site's potential for supporting electric battery manufacturing became evident.
"Emeli" is set to unfold across three locations: the underground mine and concentration plant in Échassières for mineral separation, a lithium storage facility in Saint-Bonnet de Rochefort (15 km away), and a refining conversion plant in Montluçon (59 km away). With production slated to commence at the end of 2028, the project promises a 25-year operational lifespan.
Imerys projects an investment of one billion euros, aiming to produce 34,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide annually—sufficient for 700,000 electric vehicle batteries. This endeavor is expected to generate between 500 to 600 direct jobs and at least 1,000 indirect jobs, emphasizing the company's commitment to establishing a "responsible mine" that minimizes environmental impact.
Transportation of ore will avoid roadways, utilizing pipelines between Échassières and Saint-Bonnet de Rochefort and rail links to Montluçon, thereby reducing potential environmental and noise pollution. Lithium extraction will occur between depths of 75 to 400 meters, with plans to utilize mining residues for underground gallery infilling or depositing externally at the kaolin quarry site.
The initiative has garnered support from regional and departmental authorities, with the local prefect poised to grant final work authorizations. Montluçon's mayor, representing a town affected by deindustrialization, and the Minister of the Economy, have praised the project for its alignment with France's ambition to bolster the national electrical industry and achieve significant electric vehicle production by 2027.
However, the project faces opposition in Saint-Bonnet de Rochefort, a "green resort" town where the council has voted against the proposed storage and rail loading platform, prompting Imerys to seek alternative locations. This development highlights the broader challenge of balancing industrial progress with environmental and community concerns, particularly in strategic sectors like raw material extraction for renewable energy technologies.
