Rio Tinto revises plans: "Production by 2027 at earliest, we continue to work with community"

Photo: Nikola Tomic

Rio Tinto announced today that due to the delay in obtaining the approval for the exploitation field, it revised the dynamics of the realization of the Jadar project.

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Based on current estimates and provided that all relevant approvals and permits have been obtained, initial commercial production is expected to start in 2027 at the earliest, a statement said, and recalled that the previous planned deadline was 2026.

Rio Tinto added that the company remains committed to the development of the Jadar project and "recognizes that as the project progresses, we must listen to and respect the views of all stakeholders."

Rio Tinto noted that it will "use the additional time to continue engaging with the community and clarifying all issues related to the potential impact of the project on the environment."

The company said that obtaining approval for the exploitation field is a necessary condition for Rio Tinto to formally submit the environmental impact assessment study to the Serbian government. The study will include public consultations.

The study is crucial in assessing and defining measures to mitigate potential environmental impact. The preparation of a feasibility study continues, and the completion is revised based on the re-assessed dynamics of project implementation.

Rio Tinto is committed to meeting the highest environmental standards, the statement said, as well as to the development of the Jadar project in a sustainable way, in line with best international practices and all applicable laws and regulations of the Republic of Serbia and the European Union.

(Telegraf Biznis)