Government of the Republic of Serbia Adopts the Draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources of the Republic of Serbia until 2040, with Projections until 2050

Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedović Handanović stated that the Strategy defines programs and measures aimed at ensuring the secure supply of the domestic economy and the energy system with mineral raw materials, creating new jobs, increasing the participation of the domestic industry in the value chain, as well as reducing import dependence and strengthening the country’s economic stability.

“Particular emphasis has been placed on critical and strategic mineral raw materials, geothermal energy, and the rational use of natural resources, while applying high environmental protection and safety standards. In this manner, environmental protection is ensured, workplace safety is enhanced, and risks to human health and the quality of life in local communities are reduced,” said Djedović Handanović.

She further noted that the Strategy clearly defines a responsible approach to protected areas and areas of special natural value, based on the principle of prevention and respect for protection regimes, as well as by ensuring transparency in planning and decision-making processes, thereby enabling citizens to be informed in a timely manner and engaged in dialogue.

“With full consideration of economic, environmental, and social aspects, the implementation of the Strategy is expected to contribute to the improvement of legal regulations, the establishment of a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, the remediation of abandoned mining facilities, and the ensuring of a stable supply of critical and strategic raw materials, which in the long term shall result in greater security, higher quality of life, and responsible development,” the Minister said.

By adopting the Draft Strategy at the Government level, conditions have been created for the continuation of the institutional procedure, and the document will be submitted to the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia for further consideration and adoption.