Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy has launched a public consultation on a new law on mining and geological exploration aimed at modernizing the country’s resource management framework and aligning it with European Union standards on critical raw materials, sustainable development, and the circular economy.
According to the ministry’s draft outline, the legislation will be harmonized with the EU Critical Raw Materials Act and the European Green Deal, supporting Serbia’s gradual integration into the EU’s framework for sustainable mining, climate neutrality, and secure mineral supply.
The move follows the European Commission’s decision earlier this year to include Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium and boron project in Serbia among the EU’s strategic projects for critical raw materials — the only lithium extraction project on the list.
The proposed law seeks to establish a modern, transparent, and efficient system for managing Serbia’s mineral and geological resources, strengthening the state’s role as owner and steward of natural assets. It also emphasizes environmental and social responsibility, calling for clearer investor obligations regarding environmental protection, land reclamation, and site remediation.
In line with EU reporting standards, Serbia intends to adopt the Pan-European Reserves and Resources Reporting Committee (PERC) framework, the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), and the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS). The law will also mandate the application of ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles throughout all stages of exploration and mining.
Other key elements include:
-
Improving legal certainty in exploration and mining rights, with stricter oversight and consistent application of sustainability standards.
-
Defining and protecting strategic mineral deposits, ensuring they are incorporated into Serbia’s spatial and development plans.
-
Digitalizing permitting procedures through a unified online system for electronic applications and public access to data on exploration and mining areas.
The ministry said the reform aims to ensure a gradual alignment with the EU’s green and digital transition goals while fostering investor confidence and transparency.
The public consultation will remain open until November 11, allowing citizens, organizations, and industry representatives to submit comments and proposals on the draft framework.
