MINEX Forum

Tag: Serbia

  • Environmental Concerns Raised Over Lithium Mining in Serbia

    Environmental Concerns Raised Over Lithium Mining in Serbia

    Geologist Branislav Bozovic has voiced significant concerns about the potential environmental impact of lithium mining in Serbia, labeling the idea of “zero pollution” as unrealistic. Bozovic warns that the exploitation of lithium could severely contaminate land and water resources.

    “Natural water systems are incredibly interconnected, and contamination can quickly spread, affecting both downstream and upstream ecosystems,” he stated. Azra Berbic, an activist from the Atelier for Social Change Foundation, echoed these concerns, highlighting the shared fears of residents in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “People across the country, not just in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, are worried that lithium mining will destroy water, air, and soil, threatening our survival,” she said. Berbic emphasized the widespread mobilization of communities to protect their lands and resources from mining interests, adding, “There’s a strong, unified message: we will not allow our land and heritage to be touched.”

    Bozovic also referenced the failure of projects like the Belgrade metro, which threatened vital underground water sources, as a cautionary tale. He cited past incidents of rapid contamination, such as the pollution in Gracanica following mining activities, to underscore the serious risks posed by mining. Both experts stressed the need for vigilance and community action to prevent environmental degradation. “The idea of zero pollution is a myth. We must recognize and address the real dangers to our natural resources,” Bozovic concluded.

  • Strickland Metals Discovers Significant Anomaly at Rogozna Gold Project in Serbia

    Strickland Metals Discovers Significant Anomaly at Rogozna Gold Project in Serbia

    Australian mining company Strickland Metals announced the discovery of a significant near-surface anomaly at the Obradov Potok target area of its Rogozna gold and base metals project in southern Serbia. Preliminary results from an induced polarisation survey revealed a strong chargeability anomaly beginning 100 meters below the surface, extending approximately 400 meters in strike length. This anomaly is closely associated with strong gold and pathfinder anomalism in the soil, suggesting extensive mineralisation in the area. Strickland Metals currently operates four drilling rigs at Rogozna, with four holes completed so far. The Rogozna site, with an estimated 5.44-million-ounce gold equivalent, has the potential to become one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits globally. Additionally, Strickland Metals recently secured a binding agreement with Ibaera Capital Fund’s subsidiary ISIHC to acquire Betoota Holdings for $37 million, which includes four exploration licenses within the Rogozna project.

  • Serbia Launches the Lithium-Turbo Project in Partnership with the EU

    Serbia Launches the Lithium-Turbo Project in Partnership with the EU

    Serbia has embarked on the Lithium-Turbo project, capitalizing on its rich lithium reserves. The initiative marks a significant step in Serbia’s growing economic ties with the European Union, facilitated by a new raw material agreement. This partnership aims to exploit the lithium deposits in the Serbian Jadar Valley, potentially making Serbia the first European country to manage the entire value chain from mining to electric vehicle production. Michael Harms, Managing Director at the Eastern Committee of German Business, highlighted the geopolitical importance of the deal, noting that it diminishes China’s role in the region. The EU stands to benefit from reduced dependence on Chinese lithium and shorter transport routes. However, the project is not without political complications, as Serbia continues to maintain complex relationships with Russia, China, and the EU. Additionally, domestic opposition persists, with Serbian environmental activists expressing concerns over potential impacts on arable land and groundwater.

  • EU and Serbia Sign Agreement to Boost Lithium Supply Chain Development

    EU and Serbia Sign Agreement to Boost Lithium Supply Chain Development

    The European Union has signed a pivotal agreement with Serbia to promote the development of lithium supply chains, marking a significant step in the EU’s strategy to build raw material partnerships and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This agreement grants the EU access to raw materials mined in Serbia, aiming to enhance the production of sustainable raw materials, battery manufacturing, and electric mobility. A roadmap is set to be developed by the end of the year to foster research and training in lithium technology.

    The deal has stirred controversy in Serbia, where debates over the rights to lithium mining and its environmental impact have been intense. In 2022, protests halted the mining activities of Rio Tinto, a company that had been developing what is now recognized as Europe’s largest lithium mine in the Jadar region. However, the ban was recently overturned as unconstitutional, allowing Rio Tinto to resume operations under a renewed commitment to meet strict environmental standards.

     

  • Rio Tinto’s Serbian Lithium Project: A Major Boost for Economy and Jobs

    Rio Tinto’s Serbian Lithium Project: A Major Boost for Economy and Jobs

    Rio Tinto’s ambitious lithium project in Serbia is projected to attract 6 billion euro ($6.5 billion) in investments and create 20,000 jobs, according to Goran Vesic, Serbia’s infrastructure minister. Vesic revealed in an interview with local TV Happy that the country aims to become a key player in the battery and electric car manufacturing industry, with facilities set to utilize domestic lithium. Serbia secured a total of 4.5 billion euro in investments in 2023, showcasing its growing economic potential.

    Addressing environmental concerns, Vesic emphasized that the Serbian government demands the highest ecological standards for the $2.55 billion Jadar project. Rio Tinto is required to submit an environmental impact assessment study for the mine. Vesic highlighted the significance of a recently signed memorandum of understanding between Serbia’s government and the European Union (EU), marking a pivotal moment in the country’s EU accession process. This agreement follows the reinstatement of permits for Rio Tinto’s lithium mine in the Jadar Valley, which had previously sparked protests over environmental issues.

    Serbia’s president, Aleksandar Vucic, noted in a recent interview that the mine is expected to produce 58,000 tons of lithium per year, potentially supporting 17% of EV production in Europe, or about 1.1 million cars annually. The jadarite reserve, discovered by Rio in 2004, is set to become a cornerstone of Serbia’s industrial future, with plans for an underground mine to be completed by 2026.

  • Serbia and EU Sign Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Raw Materials and EV Supply Chains

    Serbia and EU Sign Strategic Partnership for Sustainable Raw Materials and EV Supply Chains

    Serbia and the European Union signed a memorandum of understanding today in Belgrade, establishing a strategic partnership to exploit sustainable raw materials and develop supply chains for batteries and electric vehicles. The agreement was signed during a summit on strategic raw materials, attended by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and European Commission Vice-President and Energy Commissioner Maros Sefcovic.

    The summit’s discussions were framed around Belgrade’s recent decision to reconsider the development of a significant lithium mine in western Serbia. This project, initially suspended due to widespread protests over environmental and health concerns, is seen as a key component in the partnership.

    The memorandum was officially signed by Commissioner Sefcovic and Serbian Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic. The partnership aims to secure a sustainable and ethical supply of raw materials critical for the EU’s green energy transition, particularly in the rapidly growing EV sector.

  • Serbia to Restart Disputed Lithium Mining Project After Court Ruling

    Serbia to Restart Disputed Lithium Mining Project After Court Ruling

    In a significant turn of events, the Serbian government announced on Tuesday that operations at the controversial lithium mining project near Loznica can resume. This decision comes after the country’s top court overturned a 2022 cancellation of the mining permits. The vast mineral deposits, set to be mined by Rio Tinto, have been a contentious political issue, with billions of euros at stake. Rio Tinto claims the mine will create thousands of jobs and secure Serbia’s position in emerging energy markets.

    “The government… takes measures to restore the legal order to the state that existed before the adoption of the regulation that was declared unconstitutional,” a government statement declared. This follows a constitutional court ruling deeming the 2022 revocation of Rio Tinto’s permits unconstitutional.

    The project has sparked widespread protests in Serbia, reflecting public distrust in the government amid environmental and health concerns. However, President Aleksandar Vucic suggested that mining operations could commence by 2028, contingent on new guarantees from Rio Tinto. Vucic emphasized the need for assurances that the environment and public health would not be compromised.

    Rio Tinto has expressed approval of the decision, with project director Chad Blewitt stating, “The Jadar Project will be subject to stringent environmental requirements in compliance with Serbia and EU regulations.” He highlighted that the project would generate thousands of high-paid, high-skilled jobs.

    The Jadar mine could produce 58,000 tonnes of lithium annually, supporting the production of 1.1 million electric vehicles. Despite this, protest leaders like Savo Manojlovic have criticized the government’s decision, predicting social unrest. Activist Zlatko Kokanovic echoed these sentiments, accusing the government of political maneuvering.

  • Protests Erupt in Serbia After Court Reinstates Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Permit

    Protests Erupt in Serbia After Court Reinstates Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Permit

    Protests erupted in Serbia following a ruling by the constitutional court that overturned a 2022 government decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permit for a $2.4 billion lithium mine, deeming the annulment unconstitutional and unlawful. This decision aligns with the government’s preparation to grant Rio Tinto new approval to develop Europe’s largest lithium mine, a project previously halted due to extensive environmental protests.

    The court found that the government decree terminating the spatial plan for Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium mine and processing plant in Loznica was inconsistent with the constitution and the law. This ruling, issued on July 11, permits Rio Tinto to continue with its controversial project pending government approval. Rio Tinto has welcomed the decision, expressing optimism about advancing the Jadar lithium project, which is expected to become a significant source of lithium carbonate—vital for batteries used in mobile phones and electric vehicles.

    Serbia’s finance minister, Sinisa Mali, highlighted lithium’s potential economic impact, suggesting it could contribute up to 16% of the GDP and create approximately 20,000 jobs, comparing it to the significance of oil. However, opposition figure Dragan Djilas criticized this comparison, pointing out that countries with oil typically extract it in remote areas, with the state often owning the resources, unlike the situation with Rio Tinto.

    The court’s decision has led to widespread discontent, with over a thousand protestors gathering outside the court on July 11, blocking a major street in central Belgrade despite extreme heat. Savo Manojlovic from Kreni-promeni, a key figure in the 2021 and 2022 protests, accused the court of timing its decision to align with authorities’ renewed support for the project. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic denied any coordination or political interference with the court.

    Earlier this year, opponents submitted a petition with over 38,000 signatures seeking a nationwide ban on lithium and boron mining, but the National Assembly of Serbia did not address it. The government has indicated its intention to proceed with the project, risking further protests and potential political instability reminiscent of the mass protests in 2021.

    Kreni-promeni, which recently gained seats in municipal parliaments, continues to advocate against the Jadar project. Svetlana Ceca Bojkovic, an actress and activist, expressed her dissatisfaction, stating that the court’s decision was expected but emphasized the ongoing fight against the project.

    The Constitutional Court clarified that its ruling does not reinstate the 2020 spatial plan, leaving the final decision on the project’s future to the Serbian government under constitutional and legal guidelines.

  • EBRD and Serbia Sign Major Grant Agreement to Boost Energy Efficiency

    EBRD and Serbia Sign Major Grant Agreement to Boost Energy Efficiency

    The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has entered into a significant grant agreement with Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy. Funded by the European Union (EU), this initiative aims to bolster the administration responsible for financing and promoting energy efficiency across Serbia.

    The agreement is a pivotal part of the EU-funded project “Support for the Operation of the Administration for Financing and Promoting Energy Efficiency in Serbia” (EEA) and marks the initial phase of a broader technical cooperation effort. The primary goal is to enhance the EEA’s capacity to manage energy-efficiency funding from the Serbian government, particularly focusing on building renovations.

    EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso and Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanovićsigned the agreement, with Elvira Angulo Rodrigues, Head of Operations I of the European Union to Serbia, witnessing the ceremony.

    “I am very glad that we have signed this grant, which aims to support the decarbonisation of Serbia’s economy by enhancing institutional capacity for investments in energy efficiency and promoting the efficient use of energy. Augmenting this efficiency is not only pivotal to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering energy costs but also plays a crucial role in boosting the quality of public infrastructure and services. This project and its implementation show Serbia’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, contributing to economic resilience and long-term prosperity. Strengthening the capacity of the EEA will enable easier access to EU funds, as well as the development, implementation and promotion of support schemes for large-scale energy-efficiency investments, with a particular focus on the renovation of buildings,” said Renaud-Basso.

    Minister Đedović Handanović highlighted the impact of the EU’s €2.35 million donation, stating, “A donation of 2.35 million euros from the EU will increase the capacities of the Directorate for Financing and Encouraging Energy Efficiency, which implements Subsidy Grant Programs for energy rehabilitation of public buildings in the Republic of Serbia and also plays an important role in supporting citizens to increase energy efficiency in their households. With the support of the administration, subsidies were granted to more than 30 thousand households, 165 buildings of public importance were rehabilitated, and just last year we subsidized the rehabilitation of 21 schools, kindergartens, and cultural centers in the same number of cities and municipalities. This year, we expect a double number of applications for public facilities, since the budget of the Republic of Serbia has provided twice as many funds for these purposes.”

    Elvira Angulo Rodrigues noted the broader implications of the agreement, “The agreement signed today will improve human and technical capacities of the Energy Efficiency Administration for much wider and faster coverage of the energy efficiency needs in Serbia. By prioritising energy efficiency, we not only reduce energy consumption but also bolster the resilience of our energy systems and pave the way for a seamless transition to renewable energy sources. The partnership between the European Union and Serbia in the energy sector exemplifies our shared commitment to a future that is both prosperous and sustainable.”

    The EBRD remains a leading institutional investor in Serbia, with over €9 billion invested through 355 projects, primarily supporting the private sector. The Bank’s focus in Serbia includes promoting private-sector competitiveness, green energy transition, and sustainable infrastructure development.

  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Visit Serbia for Crucial Lithium Supply Agreement

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to Visit Serbia for Crucial Lithium Supply Agreement

    German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit Serbia this week to negotiate a critical agreement for the supply of lithium, essential for Germany’s energy transition and auto industry. According to sources familiar with the matter, Scholz is expected to be in Belgrade on Friday to sign the agreement with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and other cabinet ministers. While the details of the visit remain unconfirmed, the German government and the Serbian administration have not commented on the matter.

    Serbian Infrastructure Minister Goran Vesic mentioned that Serbia intends to collaborate closely with European Unionmember states on potential lithium extraction but did not verify Scholz’s visit. Vesic emphasized Serbia’s aspirations to join the EU and its willingness to cooperate on various issues with EU partners.

    This potential deal follows a significant ruling by Serbia’s top court, which overturned a 2022 government decision to halt a $2.4 billion lithium project by Rio Tinto Group due to environmental concerns. This project, if realized, would be Europe’s largest lithium mine, with an estimated annual production of 58,000 tons of lithium. However, operations are not expected to commence before 2028, pending firm environmental protection measures.

    The European Union’s dependency on imported lithium was a major concern addressed in recent legislation aimed at securing supplies of critical minerals. Despite this, progress has been limited to general agreements with allies like Australia, and critics argue that more direct funding is necessary to support developers amid a downturn in battery-metal markets.

    The agreement between Serbia and Germany, the EU’s largest economy, comes as Serbia continues its efforts to join the EU. The lithium supply from Serbia would significantly aid Germany’s plans to reduce reliance on gas and coal and to advance the electrification of its automotive industry. In addition to international projects, Germany is also exploring domestic lithium extraction through startups like Vulcan Energy Resources Ltd.