EU stakeholders visit Jadar Project to assess the responsible development of critical raw materials in Europe

Rio Tinto welcomes European delegation to Jadar Valley to learn about the proposed mine’s future potential
Discussions focused on developing a safe, responsible mining industry across Europe, and building a broader European battery value chain

Belgrade, 20 September 2024: Rio Sava, Rio Tinto’s subsidiary in Serbia, has hosted a delegation of European industry and business associations in Loznica, the Jadar Valley, and Belgrade. Representatives from eleven organisations and institutions attended, including Euromines (the European Association of Mining, Metal Ores & Industrial Minerals), Eurometaux (the European association of non-ferrous metals producers and recyclers), the International Lithium Association (ILiA, the global industry association of the lithium value chain), as well as the Federation of German Industries (BDI).

The green and digital transitions are continuing to drive global demand for lithium, resulting in European countries assessing their own resources and reviewing the opportunity to onshore more of their future raw material needs. The Jadar Project represents an opportunity to develop a world-leading modern and responsible mining operation. It also has the potential to set new standards for safely extracting and processing lithium and boron whilst managing and limiting any potential environmental impact.

Chad Blewitt, Managing Director Jadar Project, Rio Tinto, said: “As one of Europe’s largest and highest quality deposits, the spotlight is currently on Jadar. This visit was a great opportunity to present our work accumulated over the last 20 years. Our priority remains continuous engagement with the local community, Government of Serbia and all interested stakeholders. Jadar is Europe’s most studied lithium deposit, leveraging input from leading Serbian and international experts. In progressing Jadar our first priority is to ensure that every concern is being heard and addressed and that the project meets Serbia and European environmental standards at all times. We are excited by the strong social and economic opportunities our project offers the local community and Serbia. This visit was also an opportunity for us to discuss and compare how different European countries are progressing their lithium projects and developing their own resources.”

Over two days, the delegation took part in presentations covering ongoing exploration and new developments across Europe, the economic and social benefits that the Jadar project will generate, the actions being taken to mitigate environmental and waste concerns, land acquisition and livelihood restoration, cultural heritage, community and local economic development, as well as the need for a fact-based dialogue to counter the harmful impact of misinformation.

Commenting on the visit, Florian Anderhuber, Deputy Director General, Euromines, said: “As global supply chains come under increased pressure, Europe is looking to foster an industry that is vital to its future economic growth and competitiveness. With the Critical Raw Materials Act, there’s a new impetus for every country to look at what resources it has available, and how it can mine closer to home. Balancing the different imperatives of the green transition is key to gain the license to operate and a worthwhile endeavour: there’s a clear link between sustainable mining and security of supply – and mining in Europe has a track record of setting the benchmark of sustainable operations. So, we should embrace every new mine in Europe as a building block of our future prosperity.”

Roland Chavasse, Secretary General, ILiA, further stated: “We are here to understand more about Jadar’s full potential. Lithium is a critical mineral for addressing climate change and delivering a low-carbon future. The more lithium Europe can extract domestically, the shorter its supply chains and the more secure its transition to net zero will be. That goal also needs to be balanced with securing the licence to operate where mines are located and ensuring the economic and social benefits of resource development have a positive impact on communities.”

Kamilla Slupek, Sustainability Director, Eurometaux, added: “Since lithium is a key part of a more sustainable future, the top priority is to mine it responsibly and to process it in Europe. Securing the highest environmental and social standards at every stage is key to deliver this sustainable material to the market. Countries around Europe are looking to learn from Serbia’s experience and to apply that knowledge as they look to extract their own resources.”

Mr. Blewitt concluded: “Getting to scale to meet its expected demand for critical raw materials means major new mines across Europe. This will require a significant uplift in new skills, innovation, and knowledge sharing. Jadar represents a golden opportunity for Serbia to be at the forefront of Europe’s green and digital transitions. By welcoming some of Europe’s leading industry representatives to Belgrade, we are building new relationships and partnerships, alongside our community outreach, to ensure the long-term success of the project”.