The controversial lithium and boron mining project in Serbia’s Jadar Valley, spearheaded by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto, has been designated as one of 13 strategic projects outside the EU under the European Commission’s Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA). The move aims to secure long-term access to critical raw materials vital for Europe’s green transition.
Located in western Serbia, the Jadar Valley is believed to host Europe’s largest lithium reserves and one of the most significant global deposits. The lithium extracted from the site is considered crucial for manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) batteries, an industry central to the EU’s climate and industrial strategies.
Despite its strategic importance, the Jadar project has sparked intense opposition within Serbia. Environmentalists have organized mass protests since 2021, arguing the mine threatens local ecosystems, water sources, and agriculture. Public pressure led the Serbian government to revoke Rio Tinto’s licenses in 2022—a decision later overturned by the Constitutional Court in 2023.
The European Commission’s endorsement reflects growing concern over the EU’s dependence on Chinese-dominated supply chains for critical minerals. By supporting the Jadar project, Brussels aims to bolster domestic resilience and reduce geopolitical vulnerability.
However, local opposition remains firm. Environmental groups warn of renewed protests and blockades if the mine proceeds, arguing that no economic benefit can outweigh the environmental cost.
Rio Tinto has pledged to meet the EU’s environmental and human rights standards as part of the project’s strategic designation. “The project will undergo multiple stages of scrutiny and public consultation,” said Chad Blewitt, Managing Director of the Jadar project. “It positions Serbia at the forefront of the green and digital revolution.”
