The EMILI lithium mine project in Allier is progressing! Follow its development through our EMILI & YOU Newsletter.
EMILI : Beauvoir Lithium Mining Project
Supporting the energy transition
Imerys has launched a lithium mining project at its Beauvoir site in Echassières (Allier, France). This project contributes to to the dual challenge of the energy transition and Europe’s economic independence. It will contribute to creating an integrated European battery industry for electric vehicles by offering a local solution for one of the most critical materials required, lithium.
EMILI (Exploitation de MIca Lithinifère par Imerys) is one of the largest lithium extraction projects in Europe, which would offer a long-term solution and meet Europe's decarbonization goals.
Imerys intends to design this project in an environmentally -friendly manner, in consultation with all stakeholders, and aligning with the IRMA benchmark, the international reference certification for responsible mining.
Key figures
Middle of the 19th century
Start of kaolin mining at the Beauvoir site
2028
Planned entry into production of the site
700 000
Electric vehicles equipped each year thanks to the production of lithium in Beauvoir
I congratulate Imerys on launching the first low-carbon lithium operation in France. This project, which is exemplary from an environmental and climate perspective, will significantly reduce our need to import lithium and enable us to produce nearly 700,000 electric vehicle batteries per year. It will contribute to the objective set by the President of the Republic to produce 2 million electric vehicles in France by 2030 and will be supported by the Government.
Bruno Le Maire
Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty
Latest news
September 18, 2023
For the national Heritage Days, nearly 70 visitors came to discover with their families the EMILI Project and the kaolin quarry.
September 6, 2023
The EMILI project has just taken a new step with the decision of the CNDP to organize a public debate in a few months.
July 26, 2023
The progress of the EMILI project has enabled Imerys to enter a new phase: the referral of the project to the French National Commission of Public Debate (Commission Nationale du Débat Public – CNDP). This independent body's mission is to inform citizens about projects with an environmental impact and to involve them in debates. Imerys is delighted to have entered this phase, which will enable it to continue its discussions with the public on issues pertaining to the EMILI project.
