Written question – Planned antimony mining in Chios and compliance with European environmental legislation – E-001718/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer  E-001718/2025/rev.1
to the Commission
Rule 144
Nikolaos Anadiotis (NI)

Recent publications report that a plan to mine antimony, a strategically important metal used mainly in the defence, electronics and renewable energy industries[1] and included on the European Union’s list of critical raw materials, is being promoted in Chios, which, it should be noted, is located near protected areas and areas of high ecological and cultural value.

The prospect of mining activity has provoked serious reactions among most of the local community.[2] Citizens, groups and environmental organisations are expressing strong concerns regarding the possible impacts on the natural environment, biodiversity, water resources and the local economy, which is mainly based on tourism and agricultural production. The EU, however, sets as its main priorities sustainable development, environmental protection and ensuring the participation of local communities in making decisions determining their future.

In view of the above:

How is it being ensured that the views of local communities are taken into account and that the principle of sustainable development is respected, especially in island and tourist areas such as Chios?

Submitted: 29.4.2025

  • [1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=FR2u1lipiyc
  • [2] https://diafaneia.eu/marinakis/ και https://diafaneia.eu/oxi-eksorykseis-antimoniou-xio/
Last updated: 19 May 2025