Rio Tinto has denied allegations made in the article “The opposition asks the European Commission to abandon the Jadar project”, published on the Danas news portal on April 2, 2025. The company responded to the claims, stating that they are part of an ongoing disinformation campaign against the Jadar project.
According to Rio Tinto, the allegations that the company has not prepared necessary documents for the mining project are false. They clarified that the Law on Mining and Geological Surveys does not require a conceptual design but rather a Mining Project, which is in line with the legal procedures in Serbia. Additionally, the company has submitted the necessary documents, including the feasibility study and a request for determining the scope of the environmental impact assessment study, which is the first step in the approval process.
Rio Tinto also rejected claims that the company has violated Serbian laws during its geological research. They emphasized that all activities were carried out in compliance with Serbian regulations, and the company has obtained the required permits and approvals since 2004. The company also responded to the accusation that the proposed mining site is vulnerable to flooding, stating that the site is located on a raised natural terrace above flood levels, making it safe from potential floods.
Furthermore, Rio Tinto responded to criticisms of the Jadar project’s scale, noting that the European Commission has recognized similar lithium mining projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which supports lithium mining from solid rock.
Rio Tinto reiterated its commitment to transparency, open dialogue, and providing accurate information to the public regarding the Jadar project. The company stressed that truthful information is essential for informed decision-making regarding Serbia’s future energy and economic development.
