Serbia lithium energy storage power supply procurement

Why did Serbia and the EU sign a lithium mining deal?

Serbia and the EU struck a deal to develop a lithium mining project, securing a crucial supply for producing electric batteries.

Will Serbia's lithium exports go to the EU?

According to Vučić, Serbia’s lithium exports will go exclusively to the EU for now, despite strong Chinese interest. Serbia has been trying to join the EU since 2012, but tensions with Kosovo have delayed this. Until recently, European institutions, media and NGO’s depicted Vučić as an authoritarian ruler.

Will Serbia's lithium mining protests return in earnest?

It means that despite the celebrations in Brussels, Berlin and Belgrade, the protests against lithium mining in rural Serbia are likely to return in earnest. The EU hails a deal with Serbia on lithium mining as a “historic day for Serbia, as well as Europe”.

When will Serbia start mining lithium?

Vucic has hinted that Serbia could begin mining lithium as early as 2028. The president has also said the deal would involve guarantees that limited the sale of raw materials from the country and ensure that most of the lithium exports would be through Serbian-produced batteries or component parts.

How much lithium can Serbia produce a year?

Rio Tinto has said Serbia's lithium reserves in Loznica could produce an estimated 58,000 tonnes annually, enough for 1.1 million electric vehicles. During an interview with Germany's Handelsblatt ahead of the Belgrade summit, Vucic said conversations were ongoing with a range of European automakers including Mercedes, Volkswagen and Stellantis.

Will Serbia's lithium reserves be a priority after parliamentary elections?

Vucic, whose party won parliamentary elections in December, has said environmental protection would be a priority after extracting new assurances from the company. Rio Tinto has said Serbia's lithium reserves in Loznica could produce an estimated 58,000 tonnes annually, enough for 1.1 million electric vehicles.