Environmental studies show Serbian lithium project is safe, Rio says (updated)

Antimony Resources

13/06/2024 14:19

(Adds Serbian PM statement in paragraphs 11-13)
       BELGRADE, June 13 (Reuters) - Anglo-Australian miner Rio
Tinto  RIO.L   RIO.AX  said on Thursday newly published
environmental studies showed that its Serbia lithium project,
which was stopped in 2022 after massive protests, would be safe
for the environment.
    If implemented, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project in
Western Serbia could cover 90% of Europe's current lithium needs
and help to make the company a leading lithium producer.
    Lithium, largely used in batteries for electric vehicles
(EV) and mobile devices, is regarded as a critical material by
many major economies.
    On Thursday, Rio's Serbian unit made public several
environmental studies conducted over the past six and a half
years. 
    "Results of scientific research show that the Jadar project
can be realised safely by respecting highest domestic and
international environmental standards," the company said in a
statement.  
    Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said in January
authorities wanted to hold further talks with Rio about the
project and welcomed public discussion on whether it should go
ahead. 
    Just ahead of the country's 2022 general elections, Serbian
leaders revoked Rio's licence for the project, bowing to a
30,000-signature-petition from environmental groups and local
communities.
    Green activists say the mine will pollute water supply,
causing more environmental damage in Serbia, already one of
Europe's most polluted countries.
    Rio's representative in Serbia, Marijanti Babic, said in
Thursday's statement that the company had published studies in
order to "renew a public dialogue" about the project.  
    "These studies give an opportunity to local community and
all interested parties to see for themselves what had been done
so far."
    Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, who took over last
month after December's parliamentary election, told state RTS TV
that he was open to talks about resuming the project. 
    "I am expecting the answer from experts - if experts say no,
 then it is no, but they have to be aware of their
responsibility," Vucevic said. 
    "I believe it is possible to exploit natural resources and
preserve nature's wealth and people above all. I think this
(lithium project) is a historical chance." 

 (Reporting by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by Mark Potter)
 ((ivana.sekularac@thomsonreuters.com; +381 11 30 44 930;
Reuters Messaging:
ivana.sekularac.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))