Rio Tinto: We Understand Citizens’ Fears, We Can Address All Concerns

Rio Tinto's Information Center, Gornje Nedeljice(BETAPHOTO/MILAN TIMOTIC/DS)

Rio Tinto CEO Jakob Stausholm wrote in an opinion piece published by the Sept. 15 issue of the Politika daily that the company had respect and understanding for Serbian citizens' fears surrounding the Jadar Project, but that it had answers for all of their concerns.

Stausholm said there were many incorrect or misinterpreted reports about the Jadar Project and Rio Tinto, and said this was "a carefully crafted and well-organized campaign of disinformation."

"This is the first time in the company's long history that it is facing a situation like this. The topic of the development of the project is confusing, upsetting and dividing people. Our employees are exposed to threats and intimidation online," he said.

Stausholm said that all environmental impact assessment studies entailed a public insight procedure, where people could obtain information and contribute to improving the studies through comments, questions and suggestions. He also said that the company was proposing as many media-covered public debates as possible, like the one held in Ljubovija on Sept. 7.