"Lithium is globally critically important, it's normal Germany is also interested in that in Serbia"

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlovic said that lithium is one of the critically important raw materials in the world, that globally there are no projects in mining and energy without lithium, and that the latest technologies will be used in the Jadar project in Serbia.

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Speaking for TV Happy, she said that the realization of that project will depend on the environmental impact assessment and the decision of citizens in a referendum.

"For now, Serbia is the only country in the world that would have underground mining (of lithium). These are completely new technologies and it is not just a question of lithium, but also of battery factories and electric vehicle factories. It is normal that Germany is also interested, the opening of a lithium mine is being prepared there as well, this is one of the most sought-after raw materials in the world. But, the basic condition in our country is that yes, the mine can be opened, but while complying with all environmental standards," she said.

She added that this issue is being abused for political purposes.

"When you listen to some opposition politicians or their experts, you hear everything but the truth. Some professors are explaining that Jadar will disappear, that people will not be able to live there - that's got nothing to do with anything. People there say they want their children to stay there, to have jobs. It's a pity that professors use their titles in that way, because they should feel twice as much responsibility. I repeat, studies on environmental impact assessment are not ready, when they are, we can and should talk about everything and make decisions for the country and citizens, and not for politicians. It's the same like when you listen to anti-vaxxers and don't know how to respond," she said.

(Telegraf Biznis)