The company Rio Tinto responded to the article on the N1 portal in which opposition representatives were asked about their opinions on the excavation of lithium and the opening of a mine in the Jadar Valley.
Rio Tinto believes that by concluding the introduction of the article that ‘judging by the reactions of opposition parliamentary parties, the opening of a lithium mine in the fertile and water-rich region of western Serbia is not an acceptable option,’ the N1 portal uncritically, without involving experts from various fields, is directly conducting a campaign based on falsehoods and misinformation. It should be noted that these are the opinions of opposition representatives who agreed with these views. Additionally, the portal and TV N1 had a series of articles with scientists who extensively explained what the consequences could be.
Rio Tinto states that on Wednesday, the company Rio Sava Exploration invited experts from various fields and opponents of the “Jadar” Project to engage in an open dialogue, aiming to lead discussions based on facts “to avoid further misleading the public.” They emphasize that “the spread of misinformation and unfounded claims hinders a public discussion about the project, which, if implemented, will operate for decades, to be based on facts and provide valid information.”
According to their claims, the assertion by the People’s Movement, the Green-Left Front, and the Democratic Party that the excavation of lithium would only bring profit to foreign companies and devastation to the citizens of Serbia, as well as the claim that the company would not adhere to all environmental standards, is untrue.
“The ‘Jadar’ Project would be the largest greenfield investment in modern Serbian history, worth around 2.5 billion dollars. The Project’s contribution to the republic and the budgets of local self-governments would amount to 180 million euros annually at full operational capacity. It would create 1,300 permanent jobs, with up to 3,500 temporary jobs during construction. When considering multiplier effects, an additional 3,265 jobs would be created throughout Serbia. Every year of operation would attract around 700 million euros in direct added value and contribute to the growth of the gross domestic product (GDP) by over 3% of the current GDP of Serbia. Regarding compliance with environmental standards, all work has been carried out under the Law on Mining and Geological Exploration,” says Rio Tinto.
As for the allegations of corruption against Branimir Jovančićević, Vice President of the Democratic Party, Rio Tinto states that they are a “direct attempt to damage Rio Tinto’s reputation.”
“Sulfuric acid, mentioned by the Vice President of the Democratic Party and the New Democratic Party, has a wide range of applications, and its use is strictly regulated by the regulations of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the best international practices. For the ‘Jadar’ Project, sulfuric acid will be used at a temperature of 90 degrees, ensuring there will be no sulfur dioxide evaporation. It will not be possible for sulfuric acid to damage the soil, as the entire process will take place in closed systems,” states Rio Tinto.
The company expresses its respect for the right of Serbian citizens to peaceful protests announced by the movement “We, the Voice of the People,” expresses readiness to continue dialogue with all interested parties, and supports initiatives for a public discussion about the future of the ‘Jadar’ Project.
“The claim that there is no environmentally friendly and environmentally harmless way to exploit lithium is unsupported. Lithium exploitation is a complex process, but some technologies and practices can minimize harmful impacts on the environment. Rio Tinto applies the best practices and technologies to reduce the ecological impact,” asserts the company.
Rio Tinto expresses its willingness to continue the dialogue with all interested parties and supports initiatives for a public discussion about the future of the ‘Jadar’ Project-based solely on facts.
