A major manganese deposit in eastern Czechia is emerging as a key asset in Europe’s push to secure strategic minerals for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. The Chvaletice site in the Pardubice region, once a legacy mining area, is now believed to host the largest manganese reserves in the European Union, according to local reporting.
The project is being advanced by Mangan Chvaletice, which plans to reprocess historic mining tailings accumulated around the former industrial site. What was once considered waste is now viewed as a valuable secondary resource. The company says the project could eventually produce up to 50,000 tonnes of high-purity manganese per year.
Manganese plays a critical role in lithium-ion battery cathodes, improving performance and safety in electric vehicle batteries. As demand for battery materials accelerates, securing regional supply is increasingly seen as essential for Europe’s economic resilience and industrial autonomy.
The Chvaletice project has reportedly achieved key permitting milestones, including environmental approvals and mining licences. Preparatory work for a conveyor system and processing plant is expected to begin later this decade, with full commercial production targeted around 2030. The project could create up to 400 jobs.
The Czech government has designated the Chvaletice deposit as a strategic mineral resource under national legislation, highlighting its importance for supply chain security. Current reserves are estimated to potentially meet up to one quarter of European manganese demand, with a projected mine life of approximately 25 years.
Manganese and lithium are both listed as critical raw materials by the European Commission. Beyond Chvaletice, Czechia hosts one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits at Cínovec, as well as tungsten reserves and a history of uranium production, reinforcing the country’s growing role in Europe’s advanced technology supply chains.
