The debate on lithium mining in Serbia, particularly the “Jadar” project, has sparked significant division, as highlighted during an academic discussion at the Kopaonik Business Forum. Key points from the panel discussion include the following:
- Environmental risks:
- Zoran Stevanović, a professor from the Faculty of Mining and Geology, opposed lithium mining, citing environmental risks, such as water pollution and potential earthquakes. He emphasized the importance of Serbia’s water reserves in the Jadra valley, which are crucial for Belgrade and much of the country.
- Project feasibility:
- Vera Dondur, a professor of Physical Chemistry, also opposed the project. She argued that the Jadar project could have significant environmental impacts, noting that lithium mining, especially in the absence of established global standards, poses unknown environmental risks. She further pointed out the potential harm to agriculture, particularly crops sensitive to the toxicity of pine, which would be involved in the project.
- Economic considerations:
- Dragan Đuričin, an economics professor, presented a more balanced view, suggesting that the project could be profitable for Serbia, particularly with the potential for lithium processing and electric vehicle production. However, he also warned about the legal and financial consequences of banning the project, as Serbia might need to pay compensation to Rio Tinto due to existing contracts.
- Opportunity for Serbia:
- Dinko Knežević, another mining professor, argued that Serbia should seize the opportunity to return to Europe’s mining map, claiming that Serbian laws are in line with European standards. He countered environmental concerns, stating that necessary infrastructure like embankments would mitigate risks like flooding.
- Final verdict:
- Prvoslav Marjanović from the “Jaroslav Černi” Institute emphasized that the outcome depends on how Serbia negotiates the conditions of exploitation to protect its interests.
In conclusion, the debate remains unresolved, with significant concerns about the environmental and economic implications of the Jadar lithium project.
