Concerns have been raised regarding planned lithium extraction near Loznica, citing potential environmental risks and difficulties linked to the mining process. Experts say the lithium deposit lies in a sensitive zone within primary watercourses that supply drinking water. The location has prompted questions about how operations could affect water-dependent ecosystems.
Deposit location and potential effects on drinking-water sources
A mining consultant with extensive experience in Australia said exploiting the deposit could have serious consequences. The consultant noted that lithium mining is often carried out in deserts or remote areas away from populated regions, while the proposed site near Loznica is described as part of a vital water supply area. The consultant warned that extraction there could be harmful to local ecosystems.
The concerns focus on the deposit’s placement within drinking-water watercourses rather than on mining activity in more distant settings. Experts also highlighted that the sensitivity of the area is central to their assessment of environmental risk. The discussion links site conditions directly to potential impacts on water quality and surrounding habitats.
Geology, blasting needs, and emissions considerations
The consultant pointed to the deposit’s geology as an additional challenge for extraction. The lithium is reported to be hosted in sedimentary, soft rock, which would require repeated blasting. The consultant said this approach could increase both costs and emissions.
Foreign companies involved in the project have suggested using underground methods to reduce surface impact. However, concerns were raised about whether such techniques would be effective in a sensitive area tied to drinking-water flows. The issues described relate to both operational feasibility and environmental protection.
Processing scale and governance concerns for Serbia’s mining sector
The mining consultant criticized the planned operation as an example of “colonial” exploitation, describing it as aimed at extracting a mineral that has not been processed on an industrial scale. The consultant said laboratory-level processing is possible, while industrial-scale operations involve complexities that could lead to environmental harm.
Concerns were also raised about governance of mining operations in Serbia, including the RTB Bor mine. RTB Bor has been linked to high levels of pollution and health issues for residents, according to the consultant. Despite these impacts, the consultant said foreign corporations appear to receive special treatment, with local laws and regulations often overlooked.
Ministry oversight and domestic value-add expectations
The article also referenced concerns about expertise within Serbia’s Ministry of Mining. It said many ministers appointed to oversee mining operations have little or no background in the industry. This has led to worries that Serbia is not protecting its mineral resources adequately while foreign companies operate with limited oversight.
The consultant emphasized that mining should be conducted responsibly, including processing raw materials domestically to add value rather than exporting them as raw inputs. The consultant also said Serbia has extensive mineral resources and that they should benefit the country rather than be exploited by foreign entities with questionable motives.