Sustainability benchmarking of the Jadar project

Abstract

The global shift towards climate-friendly energy has increased the demand for lithium, a key component in renewable energy storage systems and electric vehicles. This thesis examines Rio Tinto's Jadar Project (JP), poised to be Europe’s largest lithium mine, significantly contributing to the supply of battery-grade lithium. While the project holds great potential benefits for both Serbia and Europe, it faces ecological and social scrutiny. Using a conceptual benchmarking approach, this thesis assesses the alignment of the JP’s strategy with the EU Principles for Sustainable Raw Materials and the SUMEX Sustainability Framework. It analyses project documentation, including draft Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) that encompass environmental, social and cultural heritage information, and public sentiment analysis. Findings suggest that the JP plans align strongly with the sustainability frameworks, employing best available technologies (BATs) to mitigate ecological impact. However, analysis of stakeholder sentiments particularly on social media reveals intense opposition. Critics have argued inter alia that the project endangers biodiversity and water resources while prioritizing multinational profits over Serbia’s economic interest. While some concerns are founded, most opponents’ arguments lack factual basis. These concerns, juxtaposed with the JP’s sustainability plans, underscore the complexity of achieving a social license to operate (SLO) in contentious contexts. The study emphasizes the need for the JP team to enhance communication strategies to build trust and acceptance. Other critical improvements include accelerating plans for a renewable energy transition, deepening stakeholder engagement, improving transparency in risk management, and ensuring socio-economic benefits are far-reaching. This thesis contributes to the discourse on responsible raw material extraction and the clean energy transition, highlighting collaborative approaches that balance economic gains with environmental stewardship and societal well-being.