The Chvaletice project, located in eastern Bohemia, has secured zoning approval for both the processing plant and associated rail infrastructure. The facility will recover manganese from historic tailings created by mining activities between the 1950s and 1970s, transforming a former industrial waste site into a strategic source of critical raw materials. Construction is expected to begin once final permits are obtained later in the decade, with the plant projected to employ around 400 people.

The facility is designed to produce 50,000 tonnes of high-purity manganese metal annually, which can be converted into up to 150,000 tonnes of high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate. This material is a key component in lithium-ion battery production and is increasingly sought after by electric vehicle manufacturers. The project's anticipated operating life is 26 years, with additional plans to produce magnesium carbonate as a byproduct.

Beyond its economic impact, the project carries growing geopolitical significance. Manganese is considered a critical mineral for battery supply chains, and global processing capacity remains heavily concentrated in China. As Europe and the United States seek to diversify sourcing of strategic materials, the Chvaletice facility could become an important supplier for Western battery manufacturers. Its owner, Canada's Euro Manganese, has already signed an agreement with U.S.-based battery materials company 6K Energy after tests confirmed the material's suitability for advanced battery applications.

The project is expected to require investment of approximately $824 million and remains dependent on securing additional financing partners. If completed as planned, it could strengthen both European and North American efforts to build more resilient battery supply chains while reducing dependence on Chinese imports of critical minerals.

Source: ceskenoviny.cz

Author: CzechBusiness office in New York