Rio Tinto’s Chad Blewitt addresses public concerns, environmental safety measures, and the economic potential of Serbia’s Jadar Project
For many, Rio Tinto’s Jadar project represents both opportunity and uncertainty. While it could boost Serbia’s economy and drive growth in the e-mobility sector, public perception remains divided. In this conversation, Chad Blewitt, Managing Director of the Jadar Project, responds to environmental concerns, emphasises the need for clear communication, and explains the importance of lithium in the global green energy transition.
In recent years, the Jadar project seemed to hold promise for creating new jobs and developing western Serbia. However, there have been significant changes in public perception. What developments have shaped the current situation?
— The project remains promising and has the unparalleled potential to serve as the foundation for Serbia’s broader electric car value chain for decades, creating over 20,000 high-paying employment, including related investments.
I am quite certain that public sentiment has been influenced by a large-scale disinformation campaign, spreading baseless claims about alleged destructive impacts on the environment and human health.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) drafts, conducted by independent experts, demonstrate that none of these claims are true and that the project can be implemented safely in line with the highest standards of Serbia and the EU. We now face a legally regulated process in which we must prove to the people of Serbia and relevant institutions that the mine can be opened safely. This includes a fact-based debate that will be transparent and inclusive.
What steps are being taken to improve communication and engagement with the local community and other stakeholders to address concerns and build trust as the project progresses?
— Our commitment is to accurately inform the public about all measures we are taking to ensure that “Jadar” is an environmentally sustainable project with minimal impact on the environment and long-term benefits for the local community. Since our arrival in Loznica 20 years ago, we’ve maintained good communication with the local population, who are most concerned with the new opportunities and jobs that the mine could bring, helping reduce the outflow of people.
Lithium plays a crucial role in green energy storage systems
Unfortunately, disinformation has instilled fear in many. That’s why we are committed to transparent and open communication and ready to address every concern. Over the past year, we held 156 meetings with more than 4,500 people, and our information centre remains open to all. We will continue discussions with all stakeholders, including local and national media, to provide accurate information about the project and clear up any uncertainties.
Some critics have raised concerns about the future of lithium-ion batteries, suggesting they may become outdated in the near future. Given this, what is Rio Tinto’s long-term strategy, and how do you see the future of lithium in the global market?
— Lithium-ion batteries are essential for the development of e-mobility and will remain so for decades. The industry consensus is that sodium-ion batteries are not a viable alternative due to their significantly lower range. Furthermore, the latest technology—solid-state batteries, which promise a longer lifespan, greater range, and faster charging—also relies on lithium.
For these reasons, demand for this metal is expected to grow at double-digit rates in the coming decade. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that total demand for lithium for clean technology purposes will grow nearly 12-fold by 2030 compared to 2021 and 30-fold by 2040. Like other commodities, its price is cyclical. Currently, it’s at the level it was before the unrealistic price surge in 2021.
Rio Tinto invests in world-class, long-term mineral deposits like “Jadar,” which reduces risk and makes the company more resilient to cyclical fluctuations in individual commodity prices, which is expected in our industry.
There have been environmental concerns regarding the potential impact on the biodiversity of the Jadar and Drina rivers. How does Rio Tinto respond to these environmental concerns?
— We respond openly and transparently to all public concerns. This is not just our commitment but also a legal obligation. The “Jadar” project cannot proceed without state approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies. Draft studies, developed over six and a half years by more than 100 independent domestic and foreign experts, provide a detailed description of the baseline state, identify potential environmental and health impacts, and outline measures and technologies to prevent or minimise these impacts.
We must prove to the people of Serbia and relevant institutions that the mine can be opened safely
The studies clearly state that contrary to what opponents claim, the “Jadar” project would not affect drinking water sources, as no existing or future public water sources would be used for mining or processing jadarite. All wastewater would be treated and returned to the Jadar River, ensuring there is no contamination of this river, nor of larger water bodies like the Drina, Sava, or Danube.
Concerns about waste contaminating land and groundwater are likewise baseless. Beneath the landfill, a multi-layer protective lining system would be built that can withstand natural disasters such as floods or earthquakes of great destructive power.
Mr. Jakob Stausholm recently stated that the Jadar project will not negatively affect agriculture in the surrounding areas. Could you explain the measures being taken to ensure that agriculture is safeguarded?
— One of the biggest misconceptions about the project is that Jadar is an open-pit mine. This is an excellent example of how effective the disinformation campaign has been, as most media reports and social media posts were illustrated with photos of deep craters and devastation. Mining activities at Jadar would take place at depths of between 300 and 600 meters, but above the mine, residents could continue farming, tourism, and other regular activities. This has been confirmed by the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies.
The advantage of underground mining is a significantly lower impact on the landscape and environment compared to open-pit mines, with incomparably lower emissions of dust and noise. Advanced technologies enable ore processing that complies with water quality regulations, gas emissions, and other environmental standards.
One of the many examples of sustainable agricultural and mining development is being implemented in Quebec, Canada, and we received recognition from the local community for this circular economy project. There, we produce fertiliser from the waste after aluminium production—an anhydrite mineral—which helps blueberry plants grow more leaves, deeper roots, and more fruits.