Croatia Orders Gospić Lithium Plant to Conduct Full Environmental Study

The Croatian Ministry of Environment and Green Transition has ordered the lithium processing plant in Smiljansko field near Gospić to carry out a full environmental impact assessment. The decision follows the discovery that the facility, built by Jedro DS Innovation after a construction permit was granted, was incorrectly classified and may pose significant risks to groundwater, soil, air and public health, especially given the karst terrain’s high permeability.

The plant, which cost about €11 million to build, is designed to produce up to 10,000 tonnes of lithium‑hydroxide monohydrate annually from imported lithium carbonate and calcium oxide. It will also generate roughly 11,890 tonnes of calcium carbonate waste each year. Earlier assessments had concluded that an impact study was unnecessary, but the ministry now cites insufficient analysis of potential leaks, spills and water‑balance impacts, prompting the requirement for a comprehensive study before the plant can continue operating.