The Jadar project by Rio Tinto has been included by decision of the European Commission among the European Union’s strategic projects under the Critical Raw Materials Act, which recognises strategic raw materials as key to the success of the green and digital transition, and defines strategic projects that contribute to supply security.
European Commissioner Stefan Sejourné stated at a press conference that a total of 49 projects outside EU member states had been submitted, and 13 of them – including the Jadar project – were granted strategic status for the EU, EWB reports.
The designation of “strategic projects” was carried out in accordance with the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), adopted by the EU last year to regulate the sourcing, processing, and recycling of critical raw materials in Europe and ensure supply chains. According to the CRMA, the European Commission will not approve an application without the explicit consent of the third country involved.
The selected strategic projects will benefit from coordinated support from the European Commission, EU member states, and financial institutions in the form of easier access to funding and connections with relevant buyers, the Commission stated. It is estimated that the 13 strategic projects outside the EU require a total capital investment of €5.5 billion to commence operations.
The Commission will also strengthen cooperation with third countries to ensure the development of these projects, particularly through strategic partnerships already concluded with some of these countries concerning raw material value chains. Discussing the rules and procedures related to strategic projects in non-EU countries, such as Serbia, the European Commission emphasised in summer 2024 that such countries will also need to meet “high environmental and social standards,” which includes ensuring direct benefits to the local community.
The Commission explained that the CRMA stipulates that projects granted strategic status must significantly contribute to securing the supply of strategic raw materials in the EU, be technically feasible within a reasonable timeframe, and ensure that “expected production can be estimated with a sufficient degree of certainty.”
Rio Tinto: This decision confirms Serbia’s important role
Rio Tinto welcomed the European Commission’s decision to designate the Jadar project as a strategic project under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA).
“This decision confirms that the Jadar project can be developed in accordance with European Union standards. The European Commission’s decision highlights the great significance of the Jadar project for both Serbia and the EU in ensuring a reliable supply of critical raw materials essential for the green transition. The Jadar project is one of the most promising and thoroughly researched lithium projects in Europe. With an estimated annual production of 58,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate, Serbia has the potential to become a key player in the electric vehicle supply chain,” the statement said.
Rio Tinto’s statement also noted that the EU’s decision to declare Jadar a project of strategic importance confirms that Serbia has a key role in Europe’s energy and digital future.
“The EU’s decision to declare Jadar a project of strategic importance confirms that Serbia has a key role in Europe’s energy and digital future. We are committed to developing the project in compliance with Serbian laws and European standards, with a transparent approach and ongoing dialogue with all stakeholders,” said Chad Blewitt, Director of the Jadar Project.
The project has been included among strategic projects outside EU territory, confirming its strategic importance, technical feasibility, and alignment with environmental protection, social responsibility, and corporate governance (ESG) standards. Lithium from Serbia has the potential to become a key component of Europe’s battery value chain, enabling Serbia to integrate into this strategic sector. The project also opens up opportunities for strong economic growth through the development of a local value chain and attracting new investments in high-tech sectors, the statement adds.
“Before the construction of the mine and processing plant begins, it is necessary to complete a series of legally prescribed procedures, including the continuation of project development in terms of permits, updates to environmental impact assessments, public consultations, and the final acquisition of all required permits and approvals. Rio Tinto remains committed to dialogue with all stakeholders and to implementing the project in full compliance with environmental protection standards and the regulatory requirements of Serbia and the EU,” the company stated.
(NIN, 04.06.2025)