With Lithium Zinnwald having recently raised £3.2 million to accelerate the development of its lithium project in Saxony, Germany — a critical step in strengthening the EU’s battery materials supply chain – we are proud to share that Dr. Sauer & Partners contributed to the Critical Flaw Study and Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS).
This has included assessing the design and construction option for the 10 km, 6.5 m diameter mine access tunnel. This tunnel will transport ore from the mineralisation zone to the processing plant, crossing complex geological fault zones and rivers. Our scope included:
• Assessment of tunnel construction methodologies: Drill & Blast vs. TBM (Main Beam / Gripper)
• Initial design and options study including CAPEX, OPEX, programme, and workforce estimates
• Worksite layout and portal design considerations
• Integration of GIS and geological desk studies
Once operational, this site is set to become one of Europe’s largest fully integrated lithium hydroxide production facilities — a major step forward for sustainable lithium supply in the region. This project is a great example of how engineering innovation and sustainable resource development go hand in hand.
You can read more on this project here.
Cross-section of the Liebenau mine access tunnel
Plan view of the Liebenau portal indicative site layout for TBM launch and tunnelling.