On Thursday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said that no lithium mining will begin in the country until guarantees are secured from top experts. He made the remarks while addressing the public, alongside discussion of Serbia’s economic indicators and the lithium mining issue that has drawn widespread protests.
Vučić stated that no mining activities or field changes will take place until Serbia receives assurances from leading domestic and international experts. He said there would be no digging or alterations in the area and that nothing would happen in the next 12 to 18 months while the necessary guarantees are being obtained.
Documentation and expert consultations
The president said Serbia needs to compile comprehensive documentation as part of the process. He also indicated that consultations would involve both foreign environmental experts and Serbian environmental experts, with the aim of addressing safety and public well-being.
Conditions for further discussions
Vučić described the expert guarantees as a prerequisite for any further discussions related to lithium mining. He also raised the need to address matters involving individuals who sold property during an expropriation process connected to Rio Tinto.