Djedovic Handanovic: Lithium a strategic resource

BELGRADE - Lithium is a strategic mineral resource that is increasingly in demand in the EU and worldwide due to the energy transition and growing electrification of transport, Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said on Thursday.

"Serbia is rich in lithium and other ore resources and mineral resources, and it is up to us to assess how we can use the natural riches we have," Djedovic Handanovic said in an appearance on Happy TV.

She said potential lithium mining would help the prosperity of the Loznica region and western Serbia and create hundreds of jobs in the years to come, with minimum salaries of 1,000 euros and major GDP growth.

Underdeveloped parts of the country that are rich in natural resources must be developed in a sustainable manner and in line with all environmental protection standards, she said.

According to a statement released by her ministry, Djedovic Handanovic also said the next Serbian government must hold discussions with Rio Tinto about the Jadar lithium mining project.