In Serbia, the lithium mine project approved by the government despite the criticisms

Reauthorization of Lithium Mine Project in Serbia

After being abandoned in 2022 following a significant wave of protests, the controversial lithium mine project in Jadar, located in the southwest of the Balkan country, is set to move forward. The Serbian government approved the resumption of operations for the disputed lithium extraction project by the Australian group Rio Tinto on Tuesday, July 16th. This authorization marks the official start of the extraction project, coming shortly after a judicial decision that paved the way for this development. The government is taking steps to restore the legal order as it was before the unconstitutional regulations were put into effect, as stated in a document released by the Serbian authorities.

Legal Background and Environmental Concerns

The decision to reinitiate operations follows a ruling from the Serbian Constitutional Court, which found that the government’s suspension of Rio Tinto’s license in 2022 was unconstitutional. Rio Tinto welcomed the green light to proceed with operations, with project director Chad Blewitt assuring that the mine will adhere to stringent environmental requirements in accordance with Serbian and European Union regulations. The future of these extensive mining deposits near Loznica in western Serbia has been a focal point of political contention in recent years. Opposition and protests have mounted, with demonstrators gathering in front of the Constitutional Court to voice concerns about the environmental impact of the multi-billion-euro project in the agricultural region of Jadar.

Clashing Views and Future Prospects

Detractors view the project as a perpetual danger to the local environment, accusing the government of disregarding the constitution and kowtowing to foreign interests. Notwithstanding these criticisms, Rio Tinto emphasizes the potential job creation and the advantageous position Serbia could hold in the strategic market for climate transition. The Jadar lithium reserves, discovered in 2004 and deemed among Europe’s largest, have the capacity, as claimed by the mining giant, to produce 58,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually. This quantity could cater to 1.1 million vehicles, constituting 17% of Europe’s electric vehicle production. President Aleksandar Vucic hinted at commencing lithium extraction in 2028, projecting improved environmental stewardship and enhanced living standards for Serbian citizens in light of new assurances provided by the British-Australian conglomerate.