When former German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Serbia in September 2021, her discussions with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić unexpectedly turned to the topic of lithium. This marked a significant shift in public awareness in Serbia beyond just the Rio Tinto mining controversy in the Jadar Valley.
After two years of hiatus, Aleksandar Vučić revived the lithium issue in a recent interview with the Financial Times of London. He hinted at welcoming European business and political leaders to formally announce the project, strategically timing the announcement after local elections to avoid political entanglements.
However, beyond political cycles, the urgency for Europe regarding lithium is pressing. As Europe aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, lithium plays a pivotal role in the continent’s green transition. With the EU mandating all new vehicles to be electric by 2035, securing a local supply of lithium has become critical. Currently, Europe imports all processed lithium despite having potential lithium deposits in countries like France, Ireland, Germany, Portugal, Spain and the UK.
The Jadar project in western Serbia is considered a prime candidate for lithium mining due to projections suggesting it could produce enough lithium annually to meet 17% of Europe’s electric vehicle needs. This prospect aligns with the EU’s strategy on critical raw materials, emphasizing the reduction of dependency on external suppliers, particularly China.
Despite environmental protests and the cancellation of the Jadar project’s spatial plan in early 2022, Vučić’s recent moves indicate a firm commitment to pursuing lithium mining in Serbia. His signing of a Letter of Intent with the European Commission in September 2023 to establish a strategic partnership on critical raw materials underscores this resolve, despite ongoing domestic opposition.
Looking ahead, Serbia’s decision on lithium mining will undoubtedly face renewed scrutiny and protests from environmental activists. As Vučić navigates the complexities of domestic and EU pressures, the outcome will shape Serbia’s environmental and economic future, closely watched by Europe and global stakeholders alike.
