Local fears over plans for Europe's second biggest lithium mine in central France
Paris-based minerals multinational Imerys wants to open a lithium mine near the village of Échassières in the centre of France where they have been holding consultations with local residents. If it goes ahead the mine would produce enough lithium for 663,000 electric car batteries each year. But as Nicolas Cheviron reports, people in the area are worried about the environmental impact of this major scheme as the debate continues over the best way to carry out energy transition.
PatriciaPatricia Laederich was not expecting any major revelations as she got ready to take part in the eighth instalment of an ongoing public debate about plans by minerals multinational Imerys to create a lithium mine at Échassières, a village in the département or county of Allier in central France. “What I've felt so far has been disappointment, frustration. Every time we've asked Imerys specific questions, all we've got are evasive answers,” lamented the retired publishing professional, who is also an active member of the association 'Préservons la forêt des Colettes' (PFC), which opposes the project.
