Rio Tinto’s ambitious Jadar lithium project in Serbia, which aims to establish Europe’s largest lithium mine, is facing a potential two-year wait for the necessary permits to begin construction. This was revealed by Serbia’s Energy Minister, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, who stressed the complexities involved in securing the required approvals, particularly concerning the project’s environmental impact study.
The project, located in the western Jadar region, was recently revived after Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto’s license to develop the mine. This move came two years after the previous government halted the licensing process amid widespread protests by environmental groups. These protests were driven by concerns over the environmental risks associated with lithium mining, which could have significant impacts on the region’s ecosystem.
Minister Handanovic explained that the speed of the project’s progress would largely depend on how quickly the necessary approvals can be obtained. The energy minister emphasized that Serbia had already lost two years due to the earlier suspension, lamenting the delay that has put the country behind in the race to capitalize on its lithium reserves. The minister highlighted the importance of the project, noting that it is one of the largest in terms of certified lithium reserves, with an estimated 158 million tonnes. This represents a significant 17% of Europe’s total lithium reserves, making the project crucial for the continent’s future supply of this essential mineral.
If the Jadar project reaches completion, it could produce an estimated 58,000 tonnes of refined battery-grade lithium carbonate each year. This output would be enough to power one million electric vehicles, addressing 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs. Furthermore, the success of the Jadar project would position Rio Tinto among the top 10 global producers of lithium, significantly boosting the company’s standing in the global mining industry.
Despite these promising figures, the project faces significant hurdles. Serbia’s President, Aleksandar Vučić, recently stated that no lithium mining would proceed until the country receives guarantees from the world’s leading experts. President Vučić was clear that there would be no digging or changes in the field until all necessary guarantees were secured, which could delay the project by another 12 to 18 months. His statement underscores the government’s cautious approach, aiming to balance economic benefits with environmental and public concerns.
The reinstatement of the project’s license is part of a broader strategy by Serbia to strengthen its position in the European and global lithium markets. Last month, Serbia signed agreements with the European Union and Germany, granting EU members and major car manufacturers exclusive access to Serbian lithium. These agreements, which focus on sustainable raw materials and battery supply chains, reflect the growing importance of lithium in the European automotive industry, particularly as the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise.
The agreements came shortly after Serbia’s top court ruled that the 2022 decision to revoke the Jadar project license was unconstitutional, further clearing the path for the project’s resumption. However, the project remains highly controversial, with thousands of Serbians taking to the streets in protest last week. These demonstrations, which reflect deep-seated concerns about the environmental impact of lithium mining, are expected to continue, with a major protest scheduled in Belgrade this Saturday.
Minister Handanovic expressed skepticism about the motives behind the protests, suggesting that they were more politically driven than genuinely focused on environmental concerns. She argued that the protests were aimed at disrupting public order under the guise of ecological activism. The minister’s comments reflect the government’s frustration with the ongoing opposition to the project, which they view as a vital opportunity for Serbia’s economic development.
