Letter to Mr. Dragan Karajčić, President of the Local Communities of Gornje Nedeljice, Brezjak, and Slatina
To: Mr. Dragan Karajčić, President of the Local Communities of Gornje Nedeljice, Brezjak, and Slatina
Belgrade, May 29, 2025
Subject: Soil and Groundwater Sampling to Determine Baseline Conditions on 33 Company-Owned Parcels as Part of Ongoing Environmental Monitoring
Dear Mr. Karajčić,
We are writing to follow up on our phone conversations yesterday afternoon and earlier today, regarding the continuation of soil and shallow groundwater sampling on 33 parcels owned by Rio Sava Exploration d.o.o. These activities are being conducted from May 28 to 30 by the certified and accredited laboratory of the Jaroslav Černi Institute for Water Management. In line with the request from the “Ne damo Jadar” association, which we accommodated, both you and a representative of the association were present at the sampling activities yesterday on May 28, 2025. At the association’s request, the engineers and technicians conducting the sampling provided you with a copy of each collected sample. It was our understanding that you intended to continue participating in these activities and to receive future sample copies. However, during a subsequent phone conversation, you informed us that you are withdrawing from the previously agreed arrangement and will no longer attend the sampling activities. You further stated that the association “Ne damo Jadar” intends to block these activities, thereby preventing us from fulfilling our legal obligations.
We would like to once again emphasize that these activities are legally required and fully aligned with the laws of the Republic of Serbia, as well as with the conditions set forth by the relevant institutions, including the Republic Water Directorate. All sampling is being carried out solely on land owned by the company.
You explained that the reason for your withdrawal is the terminology used in our letter dated May 28, 2025, addressed to both you and the “Ne damo Jadar” association. In particular, members of the association object to the use of the term “baseline condition,” asserting that this term is inappropriate given that geological exploration had previously been conducted on these parcels.
We regret that the “Ne damo Jadar” association has chosen to ignore the fact that our letter clearly and explicitly states that the purpose of this sampling is to determine the current quality of soil and water at these locations, for comparative analysis with previously obtained data, as part of ongoing environmental monitoring. The term “baseline condition” is used in accordance with the water management requirements issued by the Republic Water Directorate, which provide the legal basis for these activities. It refers solely to the environmental condition at the time of sampling. It does not alter the nature of the activity, which is to assess soil and water quality in areas where geological exploration has been conducted. Previous measurements are taken into account and serve as a reference point to monitor any changes over time.
In the interest of full transparency, the results of the research conducted by Rio Sava Exploration d.o.o. will be publicly available on the company’s official website.
Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
Sincerely,
Chad Blewitt
Managing Director – Jadar Project