"If all goes to plan, lithium will be mined in five years"
Antic states that geological surveys have been completed and that Rio Tinto will have a full range of activities in the next 18 months, until the construction of a mine in the vicinity of Loznica
The Minister of Mining and Energy Aleksandar Antic announced that, if all goes to plan the start of exploitation of the jadarite ore within the Jadar project can be expected in late 2024 or early 2025. The project is implemented by Rio Tinto in the vicinity of Loznica.
Antic states that geological surveys have been completed and that Rio Tinto will have a full range of activities in the next 18 months: produce a feasibility study, validate deposits and finally apply for a permit to build the mine.
Recommended
A project that will propel us among world leaders: Lithium mining plan presented
Exclusive: We were first to enter Serbian villages under which lies enormous world wealth - lithium
"The investment to open the mine is worth $1.5 billion," Antic said during his visit to Rio Tinto. He also pointed out that this is one of the most significant projects for our country that will "no doubt change Serbia."
"I deeply believe that this investment decision will be a positive one, considering that Rio Tinto has invested more than $200 million so far in research," Antic said, adding that "over the past 16 years an entire team of foreign and domestic experts has been here working hard."
Video: We were in the villages lying on lithium - our future is white
(Telegraf Biznis/Tanjug)