Ref. Ares(2022)1600755 - 04/03/2022
Brussels, 8 July 2021
Flash from a meeting between Mr. Maroš Šefčovič, European Commission Vice-President and
,
RioTinto
Date and time: 8 July 2021 at 11:30
Key points:
informed about the progress and plans for developing the lithium mining and
refining project in Jadar (Serbia), which is to be a foundation of the future vertically-
integrated battery value chain in Serbia.
The Vice-President stressed the necessity of ensuring full compliance of the project, both at
development and operation phases, with the environmental legislation and the highest
standards on transparency and public engagement.
The Vice-President informed about the Commission efforts to secure supplies of critical raw
materials for the European economy, including its new battery industry, along the three axis,
i.e. fostering domestic sustainable and responsible projects, diversifying supplies by creating
strategic partnerships with like-minded trade partners, including Western Balkans, and
implementing the circular economy concept.
The Vice-President referred to EIT Raw Materials, which manages the European Raw
Materials Alliance and has encourage RioTinto to reach out to ERMA.
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