Several companies, including Rio Tinto, are currently in the process of connecting their facilities to Serbia’s transmission system. According to data from Elektromreza Srbije, as of February 1, 2025, there have been eight requests for connection studies to be prepared for the period between March 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025. Among these requests is one from TS Jadar, which is associated with the Rio Tinto lithium mining project. All requests must be finalized by March 1, 2025.
Rio Tinto, however, has not been actively advertising in Serbia recently, especially after facing significant resistance from local communities. Despite various efforts, including collaboration with the Serbian government to win over the population, these attempts have largely failed. The latest initiative was the release of an Environmental Impact Study, which received mixed reactions and led to a strong response from Serbia’s scientific community. Additionally, a meeting was held between local residents of Radjevina and political leaders, including President Aleksandar Vučić, but the outcome has been disappointing, as distrust among the citizens remains high.
This distrust has only grown due to Rio Tinto’s global reputation, which has been tainted by numerous activists and ongoing investigations into the company’s business practices. Their controversial activities around the world have drawn significant attention, further complicating their efforts to gain public support in Serbia.
Serbia has also been engaged in secretive negotiations with the European Union (EU) concerning sustainable raw materials. In July 2024, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Serbia and the EU to establish a strategic partnership in the field of sustainable raw materials, particularly for battery value chains and electric vehicles. This agreement will facilitate Serbia’s supply of lithium to the EU, with a focus on Germany. In return, Germany and the EU are expected to bring new investments to Serbia, particularly in lithium processing.
This memorandum and related documents have been published under similarly secretive conditions, likely in an attempt to avoid public scrutiny. The petition signed by Serbian citizens opposing the mine’s development has mysteriously disappeared from the state parliament. This has fueled further suspicions and anger among activists, such as those from the Ne damo Jadar movement, as well as political platforms like Solidarnost, who have raised concerns about the lack of transparency and the controversial nature of this entire project.
