Floods in the Jadar River valley near Loznica pose a significant environmental threat, particularly the potential contamination of the Mačva underground water reservoir with toxic substances and wastewater if a lithium mine is developed in the region. Hydrogeologist Zoran Stevanović, a retired professor from the Faculty of Mining and Geology in Belgrade, raised concerns about the risks posed by flooding in the area.
Stevanović explained that while recent rainfall of around 30 millimeters (30 liters per square meter) in Loznica on March 26-27 was not considered extreme, the region is prone to torrential floods, with peak flows reaching over 200 cubic meters per second. This recurring flooding, which has occurred even in years with minimal rainfall, could be exacerbated if the proposed lithium mine opens. The mine area is located in a region where floodwaters often exceed the capacity of the riverbed and embankments, regularly overflowing in the spring.
The hydrogeologist emphasized that although such rainfall may not be alarmingly high, floods are becoming more frequent in Serbia due to climate change, which has seen increased droughts and intense rainfall events. The geology of the Jadar valley complicates the situation, as its alluvial layer cannot absorb significant amounts of water due to the presence of poorly permeable rocks. As a result, floodwaters can quickly saturate the area and lead to intense flooding.
Stevanović criticized the environmental impact study submitted by Rio Tinto, which plans to open the lithium mine. The study suggests that the floodwater height in extreme conditions could rise between 1.5 and 3.8 meters above the current ground level, but it fails to provide concrete solutions for how the mine will be protected from rising waters. Moreover, there are concerns about the safety of waste water lagoons and the potential for toxic substances to be released into the Jadar River during floods, which could affect the Mačva region.
He warned that if the mine is opened and an incident occurs, there could be a significant risk of pollution spreading downstream, potentially contaminating the Mačva water basin. This area is a vital water source for Serbia, with the capacity to supply 23 cubic meters per second. Any contamination could severely impact the water supply for much of the country.
Stevanović concluded that the risk of transferring toxic substances in floodwaters is a serious concern and one of the main reasons why the Jadar lithium mine project should not proceed.
