Rio Tinto's 2-Year Permit Wait for Serbia's Jadar Lithium Project Amid Environmental Protests

Rio Tinto's Jadar lithium project in Serbia could take up to two years to secure the necessary permits, according to Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic. Environmentalists, who have protested over potential pollution, are planning further demonstrations. The mine, if completed, would significantly contribute to Europe's lithium supplies for electric vehicle batteries.

Rio Tinto's Jadar lithium project in Serbia may take up to two years to secure the necessary construction permits, Serbian Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic stated on Friday, amid ongoing protests from environmentalists.

Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto's licence to develop what could become Europe's largest lithium mine after the Constitutional Court's ruling in favor. The project had previously been halted by the government due to environmental protests. To proceed, Rio Tinto must now secure environmental approvals, Djedovic Handanovic told Reuters.

Companions to the protests claim the project could result in severe pollution to the region's soil and water. Djedovic Handanovic suggested that the protests might be politically motivated rather than environmentally focused. A significant protest is expected on Saturday in Belgrade.

(With inputs from agencies.)