Debate Over France’s Largest Lithium Mine Highlights Environmental and Economic Tensions

The National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP) published its findings on Monday, September 30, regarding the proposed lithium mining project in Échassières, France, following five months of public debate. The project, known as EMILI, was announced in October 2022 by French mining company Imerys. It aims to develop France's largest lithium deposit, with a planned investment of €1 billion ($1.06 billion), and includes the construction of a concentration plant at the Échassières mine, a loading platform in Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort, and a conversion plant near Montluçon.

Set to operate for 25 years, the mine is expected to produce enough lithium to power 700,000 electric vehicles annually, making it a key component of France’s energy transition. However, the scale of the project has raised environmental and economic concerns among local residents.

The CNDP’s public debate involved 3,628 participants, 3,463 contributions, and 42 events, including 12 public meetings in the Allier region. The findings highlight a variety of perspectives on the project, with some participants viewing mining as outdated and harmful, while others see technological advancements as a way to minimize environmental impact.

Some participants emphasized the importance of domestic lithium production to support France’s ecological transition and reduce reliance on imports, while others criticized the consumption-driven approach and its potential impact on local ecosystems.

Lithium, essential for battery production and the transition to electric vehicles, is a critical material for the European Union and France. Recent legislative changes, including the adoption of European laws on critical raw materials in March 2024 and the reform of the French Mining Code in July, reflect a political push to secure local lithium supplies and support the automotive industry, which will be banned from selling new combustion-engine vehicles after 2035.

Despite this political momentum, the local debates revealed skepticism about the project’s classification as a “Project of Major National Interest” and concerns about the environmental and social impacts. Participants urged the government to maintain strict oversight of the project.

Key concerns raised during the debates included the location of the loading platform, originally planned for Saint-Bonnet-de-Rochefort, which local residents fear will disrupt the area’s rural character. Additionally, the handling of mining residues and the risk of groundwater pollution were highlighted, with residents calling for stronger guarantees regarding the watertightness of the backfill used in disused mine galleries.

The project’s water consumption—expected to reach 1.2 million cubic meters from the Sioule and Cher river basins—was another major concern, particularly in light of the region's recurring water shortages.

In response, the CNDP recommended that Imerys, the French government, and electricity grid operator RTE provide clear criteria regarding the depth and duration of the mine’s operation, as well as its carbon footprint. The report also called for greater transparency on risk data and more involvement from local citizens in the governance of the project.

The CNDP further suggested that the government initiate a broader debate on its strategy for sourcing critical metals, the future of mining, and sustainable mobility.

Imerys is expected to respond to these recommendations within three months, outlining which suggestions it will adopt and why. If the project proceeds, further consultations will continue until a potential public inquiry is held.