A major manganese deposit in eastern Czechia is drawing fresh attention to the country’s growing role in the global race for strategic minerals used in electric vehicles and renewable energy.

The Chvaletice site in the Pardubice region, long considered an industrial relic of past mining, is now believed to hold the largest manganese reserves in the European Union. According to Czech media outlet iRozhlas, the site is currently being prepared for future extraction and could become a key strategic resource for Europe.

Manganese plays a critical role in the production of high-performance lithium-ion batteries, which are essential for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. As Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers, securing local sources of this mineral has become increasingly important for economic and industrial security.

The project, led by Mangan Chvaletice, focuses on re-processing historic mining waste left in large tailings around the old site. Once considered worthless, these tailings now represent a valuable resource. The company estimates that the project could supply up to 50,000 tonnes of purified manganese annually when fully operational.

Mangan Chvaletice has confirmed that the project could generate up to 400 jobs and has already achieved key milestones, including environmental approvals and mining licenses. Preparatory construction for a conveyor system and processing plant is expected to begin later this decade, with full commercial operations targeted around 2030.

Recognizing its importance, the Czech government has designated the Chvaletice deposit as a strategic mineral under national law. This status highlights its role not only for domestic industry but also for strengthening national and European supply chains.

At a European level, concerns remain about over-reliance on external suppliers, particularly China, which dominates global manganese processing. The European Commission has therefore listed manganese as a critical raw material, alongside lithium, which is also found in Czechia.

In addition to Chvaletice, the Czech Republic hosts one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits at Cínovec, along with smaller reserves of tungsten and a historical background in uranium mining. Together, these resources position the country as an emerging key player in Europe’s strategic mineral supply.

Current estimates suggest that the Chvaletice manganese reserves could meet up to a quarter of Europe’s total demand. With mining projected to last around 25 years, the site could play a significant role in shaping Europe’s energy transition and industrial future.