The Minister of Mining and Energy, Zorana Mihajlovic, stated today that the Government of Serbia has clearly stated that no decisions will be made on the exploration and exploitation of lithium and jadarite, until a study on environmental impact assessment is done and a referendum is held on that issue.
When asked by journalists about the writing of certain media that “Rio Tinto” will open a lithium mine in the vicinity of Loznica immediately after the elections, Mihajlovic pointed out that there is no agreement between the Government and “Rio Tinto”, or any decision.
“Those who say that are false environmentalists. These are politicians who are trying to get a job done. I mean Dveri, Zavetnike, Cuta and all those who incite the people, above all, the one in Macva,” Mihajlovic told reporters at the Palace of Serbia.
She pointed out that the people should be aware that the issue of lithium is a global issue.
“It’s not just a question of whether or not we like having lithium. Serbia is the only country in the world that has the mineral jadarite, it is rich in lithium, copper, gold and antimony. These are critical minerals for the future development not only of Serbia, but also of the whole world,” said Mihajlovic.
She pointed out that if we can exploit it properly in accordance with European and world standards, then, if the people agree in the referendum, we will do it.
“If we can’t, then we won’t, but let the profession say all the information,” said the Minister of Energy.
She added that the situation with “Rio Tinto” is similar to the situation from 140 years ago, when Milan Obrenovic started the construction of the Belgrade-Nis railway, Politika reports.
