Rio Tinto responded to the allegations made by Dr. Ratko Ristić, a professor at the Faculty of Forestry, concerning the “Jadar” project. The company denied his claims about the size of landfills, use of explosives, land subsidence, and environmental impact.
The company clarified that Ristić misinterpreted data regarding the area required for landfills, stating that the actual area needed is 19.5 hectares, not 553 hectares as claimed. Regarding explosives, Rio Tinto explained that the quantities used are controlled and standard, disputing the claim that large and potentially dangerous amounts would be employed.
Concerning ground subsidence, Rio Tinto noted that Ristić referenced an outdated study. The updated study predicts subsidence of up to 20 centimeters over the lifetime of the mine, and only in a smaller area. The company also refuted the claim that 2,030.64 hectares of land would be “destroyed,” clarifying that this figure includes zones of influence, many of which will retain their usual uses.
Rio Tinto reminded that under the Law on Agricultural Land, land may be used for non-agricultural purposes such as raw material exploitation, provided there is consent and compensation. Finally, the company emphasized that according to documentation from the Faculty of Biology, no significant water pollution is expected if recommended measures are followed consistently. Research indicates emissions will meet the highest environmental standards, a position supported by the European Commission, which included the “Jadar” project among its strategic initiatives.
