A recent draft study on the environmental impact assessment of the “Jadar” project, commissioned by Rio Tinto and reported by N1, concludes that the project can be safely implemented in compliance with Serbia’s and the EU’s highest environmental protection standards. Professor Aleksandar Jovović, overseeing the studies, emphasizes that while the project, as outlined in the study, appears environmentally safe, uncertainties remain about its future management, control and potential impacts.
Jovović, from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, stresses the inevitability of environmental impacts in large-scale projects, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive environmental impact assessments. He acknowledges that while large companies like Rio Tinto have contributed to technological advancement, they have also faced environmental challenges.
International environmental expert Dušan Vasiljević outlines that such assessments entail evaluating the current situation, proposed technologies, and measures to mitigate negative impacts, with the latter being particularly crucial and risky. He commends the thoroughness of the study’s current situation analysis but points out gaps in foreseeing impacts of new technologies, especially concerning jadarite ore exploitation for lithium extraction.
Vasiljević also raises concerns about regulatory oversight and enforcement in Serbia, noting insufficient inspectors and shortcomings in the judicial system’s ability to enforce environmental regulations effectively. He emphasizes the need for a robust societal impact assessment, highlighting potential community perceptions and acceptance of the project over time.
In conclusion, while the environmental impact assessment study for the “Jadar” project provides assurances of adherence to stringent standards, uncertainties persist regarding long-term environmental management and societal implications, necessitating ongoing scrutiny and public engagement.
