Brnabic: As Far as the Government is Concerned, the Jadar Project is Stopped

The prime minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabic, said that, “as far as the Government of Serbia is concerned, the Jadar project of the company Rio Tinto has been stopped, as they will not get a decision on the exploitation field”.

She told the press at the Government of Serbia that not only had the project itself been stopped, but also all the other activities in Serbia which pertain to lithium site explorations.

– Nothing else will be done without consultations with the local community and the residents – Brnabic said.

Rio Tinto announced yesterday that, due to the delay in obtaining the permit for the exploitation field, it would change the dynamics of the realization of the Jadar project and that it expected the first commercial production of lithium to take place no sooner than 2027, whereas the previous plan was 2026.

The decision for the exploitation field, Brnbaic explains, does not mean that the exploitation was approved, but it is necessary for the preparation of the study of the environmental impact.

When asked who would prepare the study of the environmental impact of the Jadar project, she said that Rio Tinto would probably hire a credible institution or organization.

The prime minister pointed out that she didn’t want to comment on the dynamics and the expectations of Rio Tinto.

– At this moment, for me, the Jadar project is finished – Brnabic said.

Vlada Republike Srbije

Rio Sava Exploration d.o.o. Beograd

Rio Tinto Exploration Dunav d.o.o. Beograd

Rio Tinto

Ana Brnabić

Jadar project

decision on exploitation field

lithium

exploitation of lithium

production of lithium

study of environmental impact