Serbia could introduce a time-limited moratorium on lithium mining in the Jadar valley, provided the suspension includes clear conditions, defined objectives and a process for evaluating its results, according to the dean of the University of Belgrade’s Faculty of Mining and Geology.
Speaking to FoNet, the dean said authorities should specify what the suspension would achieve, what work would be required during the review period and how its outcomes would be assessed. He also noted that Serbia could continue without developing its lithium resources.
The debate comes as Rio Tinto places its Jadar lithium project under care and maintenance, citing capital discipline and a preference for opportunities that can progress sooner. The company continues discussions with the Serbian government and other stakeholders while retaining the possibility of future development.
Rio Tinto Maintains Jadar Assets and Development Options
Under the care-and-maintenance arrangement, Rio Tinto intends to preserve its land and assets, fulfil its legal obligations and maintain engagement with local communities. The approach keeps the project available for potential development if conditions permit, but does not establish a construction timetable or commit the company to new development investment.
Jadar retains strategic relevance for European raw-materials supply. The European Commission designated the project as a strategic raw-materials projec, recognising its potential to supply battery-grade lithium and metallurgy-grade boron. The designation identifies Rio Sava Exploration, Rio Tinto’s Serbian subsidiary, as the local project company.
Mining Oversight and Public Revenue
The mining faculty dean called for stronger inspections and consideration of royalty arrangements or contractual models that would increase public revenue from mineral extraction. He said decisions on mining should account for both economic benefits and environmental risks, while ensuring that surrounding communities receive a share of the gains.
He warned that mineral development should not concentrate wealth among a narrow group while leaving local residents without corresponding benefits. Communities should have a clear understanding of who stands to gain from a project and what consequences its development could bring.
The dean also advocated early public consultations involving medical, environmental and social specialists, alongside engineering experts. He argued that technical feasibility alone was insufficient justification for extraction and stressed that exploration rights do not constitute permission to mine.
Proposed Moratorium Would Require Defined Conditions
The dean opposed a blanket moratorium covering all mining, pointing to the importance of coal, oil and gas. His proposal instead concerns a conditional suspension of lithium mining in Jadar, with a defined review period and explicit criteria for lifting the restrictions.
The debate involves two separate decisions: whether Rio Tinto will commit additional capital to advance Jadar and under what conditions Serbian authorities would permit lithium extraction. A structured review could clarify the regulatory requirements, but would not itself guarantee project approval or establish an investment commitment by Rio Tinto.
