Lithium mining in Carinthia: Court hearing without conclusion!

Lithium mining in Carinthia: Court hearing without conclusion!

Kärnten, Österreich - On June 4, 2025, a comprehensive negotiation for the controversial lithium reduction project in Carinthia took place at the Federal Administrative Court. This lasted considerably longer instead of the expected duration, namely eight hours, but ended without a final result. According to OTS emphasized representatives of the environmental organization virus, including spokesman for the investigation by the Carinthian state government are insufficient. This ensures considerable concerns about the court's decision to deny a mandatory implementation of an environmental impact assessment (RRP).

The Court is expected to confirm the country's decision, which excludes the implementation of a RRP. The possible decisions of the court include the abolition of the decision and the determination of an EIPP obligation, the referral to the authority or the continuation of the investigation by an individual case test. Another negotiation could be scheduled if the court considered in -depth investigations to be necessary.

background and political aspects

The project for lithium mining on the Koralpe is supported by the company European Lithium, Critical Metals and ECM Lithium at GmbH. In the past, however, the projects were negatively noticed by unsustainable announcements by the operators, and former minister Köstinger was criticized for their positive attitude. Critical voices from politics criticize the mismanagement in the sale of the vulnerability by the republic, while the promised jobs are questioned by the plans to shift the further processing to Saudi Arabia.

The negotiation at the Federal Administrative Court was triggered by complaints from eight parties, including the environmental client of the state of Styria, the Carinthian nature conservation advisory board, as well as the organizations "Global 2000" and "Virus". These require a comprehensive RRP because of the possible considerable environmental impact and the use of dangerous chemicals as part of the project. Critics also criticize inconsistent information from project advertisers.

drinking water supply and environmental concerns

A central concern of the complainants lies in the concern about the possible effects of lithium mining on drinking water use in Styria. The Global 2000 organization has strongly pointed out that the public hearing could also decide whether additional days of negotiations are necessary to treat all concerns comprehensively.

The outcome of this procedure could have far -reaching consequences for both the environment and the economic development of the region. Both the legal and the ecological context are of central importance and are observed intensively, since the discussion about sustainably responsible use of resources is reflected in the current social debate.