The Jadar Project Designated a Strategic Project by the European Union

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Rio Tinto welcomes the European Union’s decision to designate the Jadar Project in Serbia as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), confirming its criticality to Serbia and Europe’s security of supply of critical raw materials essential for the green transition. This confirms that the project can be developed according to the EU standards. The Jadar Project is among the most promising and thoroughly researched lithium projects in Europe. With an estimated production of 58,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually Serbia has potential to become a key player in the electric vehicle supply chain.

This decision further confirms that the Jadar Project meets standards of technical feasibility, as well as environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance (ESG criteria).

Before construction of the mine and processing plant begins, a series of legally mandated procedures must be completed, including continued development of the project in terms of permits, updating environmental impact assessments, public consultations, and final obtaining of all necessary permits and approvals.

Rio Tinto remains committed to dialogue with all stakeholders and to implementing the project in compliance with the Serbian and EU environmental and regulatory standards.