MINEX Forum

Tag: Zinnwald Lithium

  • AMG Critical Materials to Acquire Full Control of Zinnwald Lithium in $56 Million Deal, Consolidating One of Europe’s Major Lithium Reserves

    AMG Critical Materials to Acquire Full Control of Zinnwald Lithium in $56 Million Deal, Consolidating One of Europe’s Major Lithium Reserves

    AMG Critical Materials has agreed to acquire the approximately 71% of Zinnwald Lithium it does not already own for approximately $56 million, funded equally in cash and new AMG shares, in a move the Dutch critical materials company describes as a major strategic step in consolidating Europe’s critical minerals industry.

    AMG has held a stake in Zinnwald Lithium and a board representative since 2023. The full acquisition brings under single ownership the Zinnwald Lithium project in Germany — a multi-product deposit containing lithium, potassium and tin, and one of the most significant hard-rock lithium resources in Europe. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. In the interim, Zinnwald Lithium will continue limited test work and studies to maintain permitting and project status under an existing cash management plan.

    AMG chairman and CEO Dr Heinz Schimmelbusch said the company’s near-term focus post-completion would be on advancing technical development studies, with a staged approach favouring a smaller-scale initial scope over a single large-scale build. “This approach will enable AMG to leverage its world-class mining and processing capabilities,” he said.

    AMG Lithium CEO Dr Stefan Scherer outlined an 18 to 24 month programme to define and advance a sustainable and profitable project scope, combining AMG’s existing mining experience with newly developed processing technology aimed at improving the project’s environmental footprint and operating cost position. Community and stakeholder engagement is also planned as the project advances.

  • Zinnwald Lithium Secures German Permit to Build Exploration Tunnel at 193 Million Tonne Lithium Project

    Zinnwald Lithium Secures German Permit to Build Exploration Tunnel at 193 Million Tonne Lithium Project

    Zinnwald Lithium has received a permit from the Saxon Mining Authority to construct an approximately one-kilometre exploration tunnel at its Zinnwald Lithium Project in Germany, clearing a significant regulatory hurdle for one of Europe’s most advanced hard-rock lithium developments.

    The permit, granted to the company’s German subsidiary Zinnwald Lithium GmbH, allows construction of a tunnel from a portal at the former Zinnwald Border Station site — a location that has been largely idle since the Czech Republic joined the Schengen area in 2007 — adjacent to federal highway B170 between the villages of Zinnwald and Altenberg. The tunnel is valid until 31 December 2027 and may be extended.

    The exploration tunnel is designed to gather geotechnical, seismic and hydrogeological data on the ore body and will enable the extraction of up to 2,000 tonnes of bulk samples for metallurgical testing and product qualification. According to the company’s pre-feasibility study published in March 2025, a portion of the tunnel alignment may be incorporated into permanent mine infrastructure subject to future regulatory approvals — a provision that could reduce construction costs and timelines if the project advances to production.

    The permit does not authorise mining operations. Commercial production from the deposit will require additional permits, including the completion of an environmental impact assessment and a public consultation process.

    The Zinnwald project hosts a measured and indicated mineral resource estimate of 193.5 million tonnes and a proven and probable reserve of 128.1 million tonnes, with the project targeting production of battery-grade lithium hydroxide. Chief executive Anton du Plessis described the permit as “an important step in the ongoing de-risking of the Zinnwald Lithium Project” following what he called a comprehensive submission process.

  • Zinnwald Lithium’s Share Prices Surge Following Resource Estimate Update

    Zinnwald Lithium’s Share Prices Surge Following Resource Estimate Update

    Germany-focused Zinnwald Lithium (LON: ZNWD) experienced a significant increase in its shares on Friday after announcing a 50% boost in the mineral resource estimate for its flagship project in Saxony. The lithium producer, which had initially forecasted an annual production of 12,000 tonnes, now expects to produce 16,000 to 18,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium per annum.

    This update positions Zinnwald as the second largest hard rock lithium project in the European Union and the third largest in Europe by resource size and contained lithium. Europe’s largest hard rock lithium deposit is the Cinovec lithium project in the Czech Republic, owned by European Metals (ASX, LON: EMH) and state-controlled utility CEZ.

    In response to the updated assessment, Zinnwald announced plans to conduct a pre-feasibility study (PFS) to enhance the expanded project and explore potential for a second production phase. This study will also focus on minimizing environmental and community impact while evaluating technical test work and trade-offs. Chief executive officer Anton du Plessis stated that the PFS is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2025. “We have already completed many workstreams, with several more underway or nearing completion,” du Plessis said. “Key upcoming milestones include ongoing metallurgical testwork, detailed mine planning, permitting, and commercial activities.”

    While Zinnwald is in a secure financial position, it is seeking support from the German federal and state governmentsafter receiving an invitation in June to apply for grant funding. If successful, 70% of the funding will come from the federal government, with the remaining 30% from the State of Saxony, which has already shown support for the battery-chain project.

    Located approximately 35km from Dresden, in the heart of Europe’s chemical and car industries, the project is expected to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide, and lithium fluoride (Li2CO3, LiOH, LiF) or a combination of these products.

    Despite a dramatic drop in lithium prices over the past 18 months due to slowing growth in electric vehicle sales and market oversupply, Zinnwald Lithium’s stock rose nearly 5% following the announcement, trading at 8.2p near closing time. This increase leaves the company with a market capitalization of £38.84 million ($50.4m).

  • 445% Increase in Mineral Resource Estimate

    445% Increase in Mineral Resource Estimate

    Zinnwald Lithium plc is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to its Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at the 100% owned Zinnwald Lithium Project in Saxony, Germany.

    Key Highlights:

    • 445% increase in tonnage and 243% increase in contained lithium in Measured and Indicated categories compared to 2018 MRE.
    • Second largest hard rock lithium resource in the EU by both size and contained lithium.
    • Inclusion of broader mineralized granite zone boosts potential production rates and project economics.

    CEO Quote:

    “This substantial increase in our Mineral Resource establishes Zinnwald as a strategically important project of scale within the EU,” said Anton du Plessis, CEO of Zinnwald Lithium. “The wider mineralized zone allows for more efficient mining techniques, potentially further increasing lithium production beyond our 2022 PEA projections.”

    Additional Notes:

    The updated MRE incorporates 26,911 meters of new drilling across 84 holes and a revised geological model.
    The statement was prepared by Snowden Optiro Ltd in accordance with NI 43-101 standards.

    About Zinnwald Lithium plc

    Zinnwald Lithium plc is a European-focused lithium company developing the Zinnwald Lithium Project, with the goal of becoming a leading domestic supplier of lithium hydroxide to the European battery industry.

  • Zinnwald Lithium Announces Major Increase in Mineral Resource Estimate

    Zinnwald Lithium Announces Major Increase in Mineral Resource Estimate

    Saxony, Germany – [21 Feb 2024 07:00] – Zinnwald Lithium plc is thrilled to announce a significant upgrade to its Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at the 100% owned Zinnwald Lithium Project in Saxony, Germany.

    Key Highlights:

    445% increase in tonnage and 243% increase in contained lithium in Measured and Indicated categories compared to 2018 MRE.
    Second largest hard rock lithium resource in the EU by both size and contained lithium.
    The inclusion of a broader mineralized granite zone boosts potential production rates and project economics.

    CEO Quote:

    “This substantial increase in our Mineral Resource establishes Zinnwald as a strategically important project of scale within the EU,” said Anton du Plessis, CEO of Zinnwald Lithium. “The wider mineralized zone allows for more efficient mining techniques, potentially further increasing lithium production beyond our 2022 PEA projections.”

    Additional Notes:

    The updated MRE incorporates 26,911 meters of new drilling across 84 holes and a revised geological model.
    The statement was prepared by Snowden Optiro Ltd in accordance with NI 43-101 standards.
    About Zinnwald Lithium plc
    Zinnwald Lithium plc is a European-focused lithium company developing the Zinnwald Lithium Project, with the goal of becoming a leading domestic supplier of lithium hydroxide to the European battery industry.