Đedović Handanović: It is up to us to see how we can use the natural resources at our disposal

The Minister pointed out that lithium is a strategic mineral for which demand is growing in the European Union and the world due to the energy transition and increasing electrification of traffic. However, it is up to us to determine how we can seize the opportunity and utilize the natural resources at our disposal.

"Serbia is rich in lithium and other ore and mineral resources, and it is up to us to determine how we can utilize the natural resources at our disposal." The potential exploitation of lithium would contribute to the improvement of the Loznica region and western Serbia, opening of hundreds of new jobs in the years ahead, with a minimum salary of 1,000 euros and significant GDP growth. We need to develop the undeveloped parts of the country that are rich in natural resources, but in a sustainable way, respecting all environmental protection standards," said the Minister.

She stated that the incoming government will need to engage in discussions with Rio Tinto regarding the Jadar Project.

"Rio Tinto has been present in our country since 2004, when they obtained permits and purchased land. They have certain rights, they initiated some legal proceedings against our country, and we will have to discuss all of this with them after the formation of the new government," said the Minister.

The Minister highlighted that there are international standards in mining that ensure sustainability and safety.

"We did not have the opportunity to review the Environmental Impact Assessment Study, nor were there any public consultations or debates held on the environmental impact of the Project." There are international standards in mining that ensure quality, safety, and security, aiming to ensure sustainable mining,” she added.

The Minister pointed out that Serbia is the leader in Europe in copper production, and that the opening of the new smelter has enabled more funds for local self-government, as well as an increase in the standard of living in Bor and its surroundings.

"The mineral resources at our disposal can position us as a European leader in the exploitation of ores, much like our current status at the top in copper production, thanks to the successful operations of the Zijin mining group, whose two companies rank among the top three exporters in Serbia, creating thousands of new job opportunities with an average salary now exceeding RSD 110,000. With the inauguration of the new copper smelter in Bor, we have initiated the production of cathode copper, the final product, ensuring the entire value chain remains and it is created in our country. This will positively impact the standards of living for citizens in Bor, Majdanpek, and the surrounding areas. "The budgets of local governments have significantly increased, allowing them to allocate more funds for kindergartens, hospitals, local roads and communal infrastructure," she added.