Is lithium a key mineral in the Western Balkans?

The interest in developing lithium deposits in the Western Balkans is part of a wider push to exploit the mineral across Europe. Demand for the world’s lightest metal, lithium, is forecast to grow strongly in the coming decade as car manufacturers ramp up production of electric vehicles (EVs).

Does Europe need lithium ion batteries?

Europe is already an important centre for EV manufacturing, which requires lithium for lithium-ion (L-ion) batteries that are also used in electronics and energy storage for renewables.

Where is a lithium deposit located?

The deposit is located in a historic mining area in the Krusne Hore Mountains, close to Czechia’s border with Germany. There are other major lithium deposits in Austria, Finland, Portugal and Spain.