Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000429/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Afroditi Latinopoulou (PfE)
Recently, the Greek Government announced plans to mine antimony (by means of surface and underground mining) in a forested region bordering a Natura 2000 site (GR4130003) in northern Chios. The area to be mined includes villages, settlements and thermal springs, raising serious concerns about the impact on groundwater and public health.
According to recital 17 of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252 on ensuring a secure and sustainable supply of critical raw materials in the EU, new projects should be planned and implemented sustainably, ensuring environmental protection and preventing socially adverse impacts through transparent business practices.
In view of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.Is it aware of the planned mining activities in northern Chios and their possible impact on the environment, social cohesion and the quality of the island’s drinking water?
- 2.Has it considered alternative solutions for the supply of antimony, such as recycling or parallel extraction from copper, lead and gold mines, as is done in other countries?
- 3.How will it ensure that environmental studies and due diligence procedures are carried out in a transparent and objective manner, protecting the interests of residents and the island as a priority?
Submitted: 30.1.2025