The narrative surrounding the state’s concessions to the mining company since 2015 raises questions, especially given the ruling party’s tendency to blame past governments. Speaker of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić has been eagerly anticipating discussions on banning lithium exploitation, despite her party’s previous inaction on a public initiative addressing the same issue. It was hoped that her upcoming remarks would provide a fresh perspective rather than simply reiterating the government’s stance.
Brnabić claimed that the overwhelming public opposition to the mine in Gornji Nedeljice was due to the “gifts” brought by Rio Tinto to Serbia, implying that the current government was not only dismissing public sentiment but also benefitting from the previous administration’s actions. This reasoning raises doubts about the government’s credibility, especially in potential arbitration disputes with Rio Tinto.
The timeline is also scrutinized, as it was revealed that US Borax, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, received an exploration permit as far back as 1998. In 2006, the Mining Law was amended to link exploration rights with exploitation rights, primarily to accommodate NIS and other oil fields. However, despite these developments, Rio Tinto did not secure an exploitation permit due to subsequent changes in agricultural land laws.
The government’s recent actions have included the controversial reinstatement of the Spatial Plan for the Jadar project, following a Constitutional Court decision. This move, along with the signing of a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding between the government and Rio Tinto, has facilitated the company’s progress despite significant public opposition.
The Memorandum highlighted Rio Sava’s investment in jadarite research, and the government committed to creating a working group to oversee the Jadar project. However, concerns arise from the lack of transparency regarding this group’s activities, compounded by past efforts to keep minutes from the public.
Notably, while dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, the government prioritized forming a working group for the Jadar project. Efforts to limit public information about this group’s work have been criticized, with the former Minister of Mining citing public safety concerns as a reason for withholding documentation.
In summary, the government’s actions have repeatedly favored Rio Tinto, raising important questions about accountability, public trust, and the balance between economic development and environmental concerns.
