Vucic: Lithium Mine Not to be Opened in Another Four Years, EU Environmental Guarantees Necessary

Gornje Nedeljice (BETAPHOTO/SASA DJORDJEVIC)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on July 15 that an underground lithium mine near Loznica was not to be opened in another four years, expecting the European Union (EU) to secure environmental protection guarantees until then.

"We believe that it (the mine) shouldn’t harm anyone or anything, but first we need to receive guarantees from Europe that the environment and the lives of ordinary citizens in Serbia will be protected, and that they would improve their living using the money they should be able to earn, relying on new jobs and higher salaries. If we can achieve that, we will certainly go for it, but if we can’t, we won't," Vucic told reporters in Belgrade.

Vucic said he would try to "make the best possible decision for Serbia" and that for him, as Serbia’s president, the most important thing is the environment, as well as "the lives of ordinary people in Jadar and Radjevina," where the mine could be located.

"I think this is a great opportunity for Serbia," Vucic said, adding that the opening of the lithium mine was “negotiated with the most powerful governments.”