German national engineering association keen to understand potential opportunities for broader value chain as new mines look to open across Europe
Engineering at the forefront of Europe’s bid to rebuild a mining industry at scale
New approach to responsible mining will require high-tech innovative solutions

Belgrade, December 03, 2024: Rio Sava, Rio Tinto’s subsidiary in Serbia, has welcomed the German Machinery and Equipment Manufacturers Association (VDMA) to Loznica, in the Jadar Valley, and Belgrade. Representing 3,600 German and European mechanical and plant engineering companies, with a combined turnover of almost €750 billion, the delegation was keen to understand what future opportunities a European mining industry could provide for the engineering sector. Many of its members, such as ThyssenKrupp, Bosch, and Voith, are already supplying an important range of components within the extended mining supply chain and could be critical to any future onshoring of mining back to Europe.

Spread over three days, the visit included presentations on how technology will help build the new mine, and the role it will play in the future processing of lithium and boron, waste management and environmental impact mitigation.

Dr. Marcus Wirtz, Chairman of VDMA Mining & Minerals, said: “The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act has given new hope and momentum for the European industrial sector. If Europe needs to onshore more of the raw materials it needs to stay competitive, it will also need the technology and cutting-edge engineering to help make it happen. We are keen to understand the opportunities that will stem from the Jadar project and other new mining projects in Europe through new innovations and partnership.”

Chad Blewitt, Managing Director Jadar Project, Rio Tinto, said: “As one of Europe’s largest proposed new mines, the Jadar Project represents a significant opportunity for Serbia, Rio Tinto and the broader mining sector to illustrate what a modern, high-tech industry looks like. Working with many partners, including many members of VDMA, we are looking to build a world class operation to the highest standards. It has the potential to become a showcase for what next generation responsible mining could look like. That’s what organisations like VDMA are here to understand.Regrettably, certain project opponents, who continue to actively intimidate anyone wanting to engage in a fact-based discussion, verbally and physically threatened the visitors and Rio Tinto representatives. Rio Tinto strongly condemns any threats and acts of violence and intimidation. We believe it is possible to disagree on topics and maintain a respectful, rational dialogue based on facts and mutual respect without using threats to personal safety.”