Based on the map endorsed by 55 experts from various countries, it appears Serbia’s lithium reserves, once claimed to be 10% of the world’s total, are concentrated in only one specific area, not in Jadar. Geologist Branislav Božović explained to N1 why the discontinued Jadar mine project remains significant despite its low ore concentration. The Frame project study identifies Austria and France as holding the largest lithium ore reserves in Europe, with substantial stocks also found in the Czech Republic and Spain.
Serbia, according to this map, falls into the category of countries with small to medium lithium potential. Contrary to previous beliefs, the largest lithium deposit in Serbia is not in Loznica or Jadar, but rather in the east of the country, near Bor and Majdanpek. This challenges the earlier notion that the halted “Jadar” project held substantial lithium potential.
It’s worth noting the initial claim that Serbia possesses 10% of global lithium reserves was found to be inaccurate. The Jadar region is associated with approximately 58,000 tons of lithium, enough to meet 17% of current electric car production in Europe.
Interestingly, Germany, known for significant lithium reserves, is absent from this map. Scientific advisor Dragana Đorđević from the Institute for Chemistry, Technology, and Metallurgy clarified that the map specifically focuses on lithium in ore, excluding reserves found in geothermal sources in Germany.
“This map represents only ore stocks, not all potential reserves,” emphasized Djordjevic to N1, underscoring the reliability of the map’s data.
