Minister Djedovic comments on opposition and proposal to ban lithium exploitation: "It shows incompetence"

Dubravka Djedovic / Photo: Tanjug/Sava Radovanovic

"The opposition proposal to ban the exploitation of lithium shows their incompetence and how poorly they are informed, with their untrue arguments that we have repeatedly denied," Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic has said.

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She took to Instagram to list what she said was all the misinformation used by the opposition, explaining what it will really be like if lithium exploitation starts taking place in our country:

• Sulfuric acid will not be used at 250 degrees (Celsius), which would lead to evaporation and environmental impact. It has been proven that it will be used at 90 degrees, without evaporation.

• Claims that Germany, France, Great Britain and Austria have lithium but do not want to exploit it are untrue. Chancellor Scholz has supported projects in Germany, France has declared a mine project of national importance, and the British ambassador emphasized the importance of lithium for his country.

• Rumors about the opening of dozens of lithium mines in Serbia are incorrect. Certified reserves of lithium exist only in one location - in the Jadar (River) valley.

• Mineral rent is not 3, but 5 percent, which is in line with other countries. The goal is not just rent, but the creation of a value chain - from raw materials to finished products such as batteries and electric cars, which can create 20,000 jobs and increase GDP by more than 16 percent.

• Today, those againstthe mining are the same ones who supported it when they were in power. They are using the Jadar project in a political fight, by presenting falsehoods, even though they themselves had issued surveying permits.

• We will continue to talk to citizens and fight for the truth, as President Vucic did in Podrinje (Drina River Valley area of western Serbia), in order to prevent deception and work in the interest of Serbia," the minister stressed.

(Telegraf Biznis)