Serbia Zijin Copper is planning a major expansion of the Jama Bor underground mine, targeting annual production of 18 million tonnes of ore over part of its projected 41-year operating life.
The proposed development covers an area of approximately 1,703 hectares around Bor and envisages extracting a total of 571.5 million tonnes of wet ore. Production would begin in the sixth year, reaching 18 million tonnes annually between years 11 and 32.
Underground expansion and infrastructure
The plan proposes extending underground mining from a depth of 235 metres below sea level to 455 metres, using a controlled caving method. Further drilling, geotechnical modelling and rock-mechanics assessments will be required to establish ground stability and potential surface impacts.
The expansion would also involve a new flotation plant and supporting infrastructure. The company is considering the relocation of the Bor–Mala Krsna railway, while the Brezonik settlement could be affected by mining activities. Potential impacts on parts of Bor’s urban area will require additional assessment. The number of households affected, relocation boundaries and compensation arrangements have not yet been established.
Tailings and environmental requirements
The Veliki Krivelj tailings facility is envisaged as a destination for flotation waste. Its remaining capacity, stability and water-management requirements will need to be assessed alongside potential impacts on groundwater, surface water, air quality and surrounding land.
The planning process must also address cumulative environmental impacts in the Bor area, including dust, noise and land restoration.
The nearby Borska Reka deposit, previously described by the company as containing more than 800 million tonnes of mineral resources with an average copper content of approximately 0.57%, also represents part of the wider mineral potential. These figures should not be treated as grades or reserves for the entire planned Jama Bor mining volume.
Investment requirements remain unclear
The company has not disclosed a comprehensive capital expenditure estimate or a completed feasibility study for the proposed expansion. The investment case will depend on ore grades, recovery rates, copper and precious metal prices, operating costs, infrastructure spending and environmental and closure obligations.
The project could create opportunities for Serbian engineering, construction, equipment, maintenance, electrical systems, transport and environmental services companies, although the scale of local procurement will depend on domestic capabilities and procurement decisions.
The spatial planning document, prepared for Serbia’s Agency for Spatial Planning and Urban Planning and financed by Serbia Zijin Copper, provides a framework extending to 2045, with initial implementation planned through 2035. Public consultation is scheduled for October 26–November 9, 2026. The proposal remains at an early planning stage and does not constitute final construction approval or a fully financed investment commitment. Further feasibility, environmental, geotechnical, resettlement and investment documentation will be needed.
