Serbia could mine lithium as early as 2028: FT

President Aleksandar Vucic mentioned Serbia might exploit lithium as early as 2028 following new ensures from Australian mining big Rio Tinto and the EU over the controversial mission, the Monetary Occasions reported on Sunday.

In accordance with Rio Tinto, Jadar in western Serbia holds one in every of Europe’s largest reserves of lithium—a strategically priceless metallic essential for electrical car battery manufacturing.

The deposits have been found in 2004 however the Serbian authorities halted the mining project in 2022 after weeks of protests sparked by fears for the setting and public well being.

Vucic advised the Monetary Occasions that the mining big and the European Union had given “new guarantees” concerning compliance with environmental requirements.

“If we deliver on everything, (the mine) might be open in 2028,” Vucic mentioned, including that it could be a game-changer for the nation and the complete area.

The president mentioned the mine is predicted to supply 58,000 tonnes of lithium per yr, which might equate to 17 % of electrical car manufacturing in Europe or 1.1 million automobiles.

Opponents had beforehand accused Rio Tinto and Vucic of not being clear concerning the course of and of refusing to publish environmental impact reviews.

On Thursday, the mining big revealed an environmental affect report that aimed to assuage issues and reset the phrases of the talk, the group promised “safe, reliable, and proven technology”.

Rio Tinto denounced “a broad misinformation campaign based on defamatory elements” advancing “unsubstantiated claims” that the mission would hurt water resourcessoil, biodiversity, air high quality and human well being.

In September 2023, Serbia signed a letter of intent with the European Fee for a strategic partnership in batteries and uncooked supplies.

© 2024 AFP