Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Permit Revocation Deemed Unconstitutional by Serbian Court

The Serbian Constitutional Court declared the government's 2022 decision to revoke Rio Tinto's lithium mining permit unconstitutional. The revocation followed widespread environmental protests. If developed, the Jadar project could meet 90% of Europe's lithium needs. Protesters continue to oppose the exploration due to environmental concerns.

The Serbian Constitutional Court ruled on Thursday that the government's 2022 decision to revoke Rio Tinto's spatial plan permit for a lithium mine project was unconstitutional.

In January 2022, after extensive protests organized by environmental activists, the government revoked Rio Tinto's permit for the $2.4 billion lithium project. The court stated, 'The Government overstepped the limits of its competence by adopting the regulation in a manner that is not in accordance with Article 3 of the Constitution and the provisions of the Law on Government and the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment.'

Should the Jadar lithium project in Western Serbia proceed, it could fulfil 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs, positioning the company as a leading lithium producer. Lithium is vital for batteries used in electric vehicles and mobile devices, making it a critical material for many major economies.

On Thursday, several hundred protesters gathered in front of the Constitutional Court building to demand an end to the lithium exploration, citing environmental harm.