Professor Božo Drašković, a retired economics professor, warned that the exploitation of lithium in Jadar could result in significant economic losses for both the local population and the state. According to his analysis, the loss would amount to 16 billion euros over the next 20 years, while the mining company, Rio Tinto, stands to make a profit of 120 billion euros.
Drašković based his findings on the projected use of 2,000 hectares of land by Rio Tinto. He explained that, over the next two decades, the cost to society would be 20 billion euros. This figure excludes social, health, and agricultural losses. Additionally, the state’s total revenue from the project would only range from four to six million euros during that period.
The social loss, Drašković pointed out, could amount to four million euros annually, with the potential for infinite losses. These would include damage to water resources, biodiversity, forests, and the tourism sector, which were not taken into account in the initial estimates. The total area affected could also increase beyond the initial 2,000 hectares.
Drašković emphasized the need for an independent environmental impact study conducted by the state, rather than relying on one funded by the investor, Rio Tinto. He criticized the government’s approach to the Jadar project, claiming it has failed to engage with experts and, instead, has silenced those opposing lithium mining. According to Drašković, both the state and Rio Tinto have undermined experts, offering negative qualifications to their concerns.
Concluding his statement, Drašković stated that the Jadar project is clearly unprofitable for society, but that the Serbian President, Aleksandar Vučić, and former Prime Minister, Ana Brnabić, are overlooking these risks. He suggested that their behavior reflects a form of “compradorism,” prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of the country.
