The government designates the manganese deposit in Chvaletice as strategic

On 19 March 2025, the government voted to make Chvaletice manganese a deposit of strategic importance. By law, a deposit of strategic importance is defined as a deposit of critical minerals that is of exceptional importance for ensuring the raw material or energy security of the state.

Minerals containing manganese ores are considered a critical raw material due to their high economic importance. The high-purity manganese that will be produced from Chvaletice manganese ore is essential for most lithium-ion batteries. Europe has several lithium deposits, but the manganese deposit suitable for battery purposes is the only one in the European Union.

The aim of this measure is to facilitate the possible extraction of the raw material in the future and to avoid possible supply disruptions.