On December 20, European Metals announced a 42% increase in its planned lithium production from the Cinovec project, located in the Czech Republic, a major lithium resource in Europe. The company now expects to produce 41,658 tonnes of battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate annually—up from earlier projections. This output will equate to approximately 36,670 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate, crucial for electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy solutions.

The company also revealed that run-of-mine (RoM) ore production will rise by 42%, from 2.25 million tonnes per year to 3.2 million tonnes. This expansion supports the growing demand for lithium in Europe, driven by the region’s transition to electric vehicles and the broader push for green energy solutions. The project is integral to the European Union's goal of achieving lithium self-sufficiency by 2030.

Despite the increase in production, European Metals emphasized that the changes will not expand the environmental footprint of the Cinovec project. The company will maintain the same underground mine footprint, with no alterations to the processing plant’s head grade and recovery rates. This commitment to sustainability is in line with the EU's stringent environmental standards and its green transition goals.

Keith Coughlan, Executive Chairperson of European Metals, highlighted the importance of the increased output, stating that it underscores the Cinovec project’s critical role in the EU’s mineral supply chain. The expanded production capacity further supports the region’s ambition to reduce dependence on external lithium sources, particularly from countries like China and Australia.

A key factor in the expansion is the shift of processing operations to the Prunérov EPR1 site, which spans 36 hectares—50% larger than the original Dukla site. This will enable the company to increase RoM output without changing the mine's original design. A concept study conducted by Bara Consulting confirmed the feasibility of scaling up production while preserving the project’s existing infrastructure.

The updated mine plan accelerates production by introducing inferred resources into the final eight years of mining. Over the project’s 26-year lifespan, Cinovec is expected to extract 74 million tonnes of ore, a 36% increase from earlier estimates. The definitive feasibility study (DFS), scheduled for completion in mid-2025, will incorporate optimized mining and processing strategies, improving lithium recovery rates.

The Cinovec project is central to the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to secure local access to essential minerals. European Metals’ expansion positions the company to meet Europe’s rising lithium demands while supporting the global transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy solutions.