In Cinovec, a small mountain town on the Czech-German border, plans to mine lithium have divided locals.
Known for its clean air, forests and spa tourism, the region around Cinovec has reportedly got one of Europe's largest lithium deposits, a resource seen as vital to the green energy transition.
According to Geomet, the company behind the project, mining will bring jobs and economic growth. But many residents fear it could harm the region's fragile ecosystem, which is still recovering from decades of coal mining.
They are also concerned about air pollution and its impact on tourism — a major source of income in the region.
While Geomet says strict environmental standards will be met, the debate raises a broader question: Can green transition align with local realities?