Rio Tinto has issued a response to the statements made by Professor Vera Dondur during the N1 TV program “Lithium: Experts Speak” on February 26, 2025, where she expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the Jadar project. The company provided a detailed rebuttal, aiming to correct what it deemed inaccurate and misleading information.
According to Rio Tinto, Prof. Dondur’s assertion that lithium mining is impossible on fertile land is incorrect, citing successful lithium operations like the Greenbushes mine in Australia and the Barroso project in Portugal. The company highlighted that the Jadar project, unlike many open-pit mines, is planned as an underground operation, allowing agricultural activities to continue nearby without disruption.
Rio Tinto also disputed the claim that lithium mining cannot be environmentally friendly, emphasizing that its Jadar project adheres to the highest global standards, ensuring safety even in extreme natural events. The company also responded to Prof. Dondur’s comments about mining driven by countries lacking other resources, pointing out that some of the world’s leading mining nations are also highly developed.
Further, Rio Tinto addressed concerns regarding the toxicity of substances in jadarite and wastewater management. The company confirmed that it has implemented waste management and biodiversity protection measures, and that the water purification process will ensure minimal environmental impact, with state-of-the-art technology in place for wastewater treatment.
In response to the allegation that no proven method for extracting lithium from jadarite exists, Rio Tinto detailed its extensive research and pilot testing efforts, including external verifications, which confirm the feasibility of the project.
Finally, Rio Tinto refuted Prof. Dondur’s claim about missing legal documentation, explaining that the feasibility study, as per Serbian law, is the correct technical documentation for the project. The company also reiterated its commitment to transparency, having published preliminary environmental assessments and inviting public participation in the upcoming legal procedures.
The company expressed openness for dialogue and urged the public to base their opinions on scientific facts and expert analysis.
