January 22, 2026
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Serbia to put mining strategy to parliament vote

The government passed the draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2025 to 2040, with projections until 2050, so the National Assembly is required to put it to vote. With full appreciation of economic, environmental and social aspects, the implementation needs to contribute to improving the legal framework, establishing a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, remediation of abandoned mining facilities and securing a stable supply of critical and strategic raw materials, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović stressed.

After a turbulent public discussion process, the Government of Serbia adopted the draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2025 to 2040, with projections until 2050. Several dozen objections and suggestions were accepted or partly accepted. However, the text of the strategy that will be passed on to the National Assembly for a vote hasn’t been published yet.

A special emphasis is on the development of risk management mechanisms, climate neutrality and the application of energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies, the government pointed out.

The strategy is based on the principles of sustainable utilization of natural wealth, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and the reduction of negative effects of mining activities, the announcement reads.

According to the report on the environmental impact of the strategy’s implementation, Serbia hosts many deposits of metallic, non-metallic and energy raw materials, groundwaters and geothermal energy. The authors of the accompanying document acknowledged that the exploitation of mineral raw materials in Serbia caused air, water and land pollution. Metals mining hub of Bor and Majdanpek and the Kolubara and Kostolac lignite basins are the most affected.

Another challenge highlighted in the environmental impact report are the abandoned mines, tailings dumps and mining facilities that require remediation and rehabilitation.

Strengthening state’s role in planning, oversight

The document sets a long-term framework for the responsible management of mineral resources and the strengthening the role of the state in planning, oversight and the improvement of the sector of mining and geology, in the interest of citizens and a sustainable development of local communities, the Ministry of Mining and Energy said.

A special emphasis is on critical and strategic raw materials, geothermal energy and rational utilization of natural resources

Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović said the strategy defines programs and measures directed toward a secure supply of domestic companies and the energy system with mineral raw materials, job creation and a greater participation of the domestic industry in the value chain, as well as for reducing import dependency and strengthening the country’s economic stability.

She explained that the focus is particularly on critical and strategic raw materials, geothermal energy and rational utilization of natural resources, alongside the implementation of high environmental and security standards. This is the way, in her words, to protect the environment, improve work safeety and lower the risks for people’s health and the quality of life in local communities.

Treating protected areas responsibly

Dubravka Đedović Handanović added that the strategy clearly defines a responsible treatment of protected areas and the spaces of special natural value, through a principle of prevention and respect toward the protection regime, as well as the transparency in the processes of planning and decision making, so that the citizens would be informed timely and included in dialogue.

With full appreciation of economic, environmental and social aspects, the implementation needs to contribute to improving the legal framework, establishing a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, remediation of abandoned mining facilities and securing a stable supply of critical and strategic raw materials, the minister underscored. She said that in the long term it meant greater safety, a better quality of life and responsible development.

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January 16, 2026
by in News

Serbia to put mining strategy to parliament vote

The government passed the draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2025 to 2040, with projections until 2050, so the National Assembly is required to put it to vote. With full appreciation of economic, environmental and social aspects, the implementation needs to contribute to improving the legal framework, establishing a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, remediation of abandoned mining facilities and securing a stable supply of critical and strategic raw materials, Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović stressed.

After a turbulent public discussion process, the Government of Serbia adopted the draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources of the Republic of Serbia for the period from 2025 to 2040, with projections until 2050. Several dozen objections and suggestions were accepted or partly accepted. However, the text of the strategy that will be passed on to the National Assembly for a vote hasn’t been published yet.

A special emphasis is on the development of risk management mechanisms, climate neutrality and the application of energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies, the government pointed out.

The strategy is based on the principles of sustainable utilization of natural wealth, biodiversity protection, climate resilience and the reduction of negative effects of mining activities, the announcement reads.

According to the report on the environmental impact of the strategy’s implementation, Serbia hosts many deposits of metallic, non-metallic and energy raw materials, groundwaters and geothermal energy. The authors of the accompanying document acknowledged that the exploitation of mineral raw materials in Serbia caused air, water and land pollution. Metals mining hub of Bor and Majdanpek and the Kolubara and Kostolac lignite basins are the most affected.

Another challenge highlighted in the environmental impact report are the abandoned mines, tailings dumps and mining facilities that require remediation and rehabilitation.

Strengthening state’s role in planning, oversight

The document sets a long-term framework for the responsible management of mineral resources and the strengthening the role of the state in planning, oversight and the improvement of the sector of mining and geology, in the interest of citizens and a sustainable development of local communities, the Ministry of Mining and Energy said.

A special emphasis is on critical and strategic raw materials, geothermal energy and rational utilization of natural resources

Minister Dubravka Đedović Handanović said the strategy defines programs and measures directed toward a secure supply of domestic companies and the energy system with mineral raw materials, job creation and a greater participation of the domestic industry in the value chain, as well as for reducing import dependency and strengthening the country’s economic stability.

She explained that the focus is particularly on critical and strategic raw materials, geothermal energy and rational utilization of natural resources, alongside the implementation of high environmental and security standards. This is the way, in her words, to protect the environment, improve work safeety and lower the risks for people’s health and the quality of life in local communities.

Treating protected areas responsibly

Dubravka Đedović Handanović added that the strategy clearly defines a responsible treatment of protected areas and the spaces of special natural value, through a principle of prevention and respect toward the protection regime, as well as the transparency in the processes of planning and decision making, so that the citizens would be informed timely and included in dialogue.

With full appreciation of economic, environmental and social aspects, the implementation needs to contribute to improving the legal framework, establishing a balance between economic growth and environmental protection, remediation of abandoned mining facilities and securing a stable supply of critical and strategic raw materials, the minister underscored. She said that in the long term it meant greater safety, a better quality of life and responsible development.

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October 31, 2025
by in News

Serbia plans new mining law to align legislation with EU rules on critical raw materials

Serbia’s Ministry of Mining and Energy has launched a public consultation on a preliminary framework for a new law on mining and geological exploration. One of the goals of the new law is to align national legislation with European Union regulations on critical raw materials, sustainable development, and the circular economy.

The law will be harmonized with the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act and the European Green Deal, to gradually align Serbia’s regulatory framework with the EU’s goals for sustainable mining, climate neutrality, and secure minerals supply, according to a document outlining the basis for the draft law.

Earlier this year, the European Commission included a lithium mining project in Serbia among the EU’s strategic projects for critical raw materials. Rio Tinto’s Jadar project is the only one on the list that involves the extraction of lithium and boron.

Lithium mining in Serbia is among the EU’s strategic projects for critical raw materials

Regarding harmonization with EU regulations, Serbia intends to introduce standardized reporting systems in line with the Pan-European Reserves and Resources Reporting Committee (PERC) standards, the UN Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC), and the Petroleum Resources Management System (PRMS), as well as implement ESG principles, which integrate environmental, social, and governance requirements into all phases of geological exploration and mining.

The main objective of the new law is to establish a modern, transparent, and efficient system for managing mineral and other geological resources in line with sustainable development standards, while strengthening the role of the state as the owner and steward of the country’s natural resources, according to the document.

It further highlights the need for more clearly defined mechanisms to ensure the application of sustainable mining principles and compliance with environmental standards, in line with advanced global practices. Investors’ obligations regarding environmental protection, land reclamation, and site remediation should be more precisely regulated during exploration and mining.

Investors’ obligations concerning environmental protection need to be more clearly defined

Improving the legal framework for granting exploration and mining rights is of particular importance, the document states. This would be done through models that ensure greater legal certainty, more efficient oversight, and consistent application of environmental and social standards, in line with sustainable mining principles.

The new law will also set clear criteria for identifying and protecting strategic mineral deposits, and ensure they are included in spatial and development plans. This would enable long-term protection of national interests in the field of mineral resources.

The law will digitalize permitting procedures for exploration and mining

The law will envisage digitalization and electronic processing in all administrative phases through a unified information system that enables electronic application and permitting, while allowing public access to data on exploration and mining fields.

The new law is also intended to ensure gradual alignment with European policies in the fields of green and digital transition.

The public consultation will be open until November 11, during which time citizens and organizations can submit proposals, comments, and suggestions.

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August 27, 2025
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Critics of Serbia’s draft mining strategy barred from public hearing

A public hearing on the draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources in Serbia for the period 2025 to 2040, with projections until 2050, was held at the Serbian Chamber of Commerce. The document outlines a long-term approach to resource exploitation. A group of citizens, environmental activists, and experts critical of the draft held a protest after being denied entry to the event.

The draft Strategy for the Management of Mineral and Other Geological Resources in Serbia for the period 2025 to 2040, with projections until 2050 is a basis for the government’s decisions regarding geological exploration and mining.

Serbia is following European guidelines, including the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), thereby building a system that supports investment predictability, responsible exploitation, and sustainable development, according to the Ministry of Mining and Energy.

The strategy was modeled after those of European countries

“We want our mining industry to be as developed as in Scandinavian countries. We also used Poland as an example, as it is most similar to us in terms of coal and copper production,” said Assistant Minister for Geology and Mining Ivan Janković.

Besides copper and coal, the strategy emphasizes non-metallic and geological resources like stone, sand, clay, and groundwater.

Public consultations on the draft strategy and the environmental report were held from June 13 to July 2. The public hearing was initially scheduled for July 1 but was postponed “in the interest of full transparency,” according to the ministry, to give all stakeholders sufficient time to submit comments and suggestions.

Environmental activists protest outside of venue

The draft strategy would serve the interest of mining companies while disregarding the needs of the country and its citizens, according to Nebojša Petković, an activist from a local group Ne damo Jadar in western Serbia, who spoke to FoNet news agency ahead of the public hearing. Conversely, Ivan Janković from the ministry denied the claim, arguing that the strategy was created solely in Serbia’s interest.

Environmental activists, citizens, and experts gathered in protest outside the venue after being denied entry, despite registering for attendance. Among them were Dragana Đorđević from the Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, and Zoran Stevanović, retired hydrogeology professor from the Faculty of Mining and Geology. He said the ministry scheduled the hearing only one day in advance, adding that the critics were told there is no room for more people even though they applied as soon as they saw the notice.

The strategy prioritizes mining over nature

Professor Stevanović told N1 that the strategy proposes three levels of investment, with the most intensive scenario involving USD 6.8 billion in foreign investments in mining. In his view, it would lead to an enormous expansion of such activity.

The strategy mustn’t prioritize mining in spatial planning over protected natural zones, even ones with vital water resources, Stevanović underscored.

He also criticized linking exploration with future exploitation, pointing out that the government wouldn’t be able to compete in tenders through public bidding. Stevanović added that Serbia has experts capable of conducting in-depth studies on ores for the benefit of citizens, instead of exporting raw materials.

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April 29, 2025
by in News

European Commission launches call for investment in green transition, critical raw materials in Western Balkans

As part of its Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, the European Commission has invited private businesses from the EU, the European Economic Area (EEA), and the region itself to express interest in investing in sectors including the green transition, critical raw materials, sustainable transportation, and digitalization.

The objective is to open a dialogue on concrete investment opportunities and identify ways to overcome related constraints in the Western Balkans region, according to the call for expressions of interest.

Although financial support is not guaranteed, the European Commission could potentially back some projects with its available policy, technical, and financial instruments. It may also facilitate contact with partner financial institutions for potential financial cooperation on eligible projects.

Financial support is not guaranteed, but some projects could be backed by the European Commission or referred to financial institutions

Proposed investments must take place in one or more of the following economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The minimum investment threshold is EUR 10 million, and the required participation by the project promoter is at least 15% of the total value of the investment project.

The deadline to submit expressions of interest is May 21

The first phase of the call is open for submissions until May 21, but it may be reopened for subsequent phases, depending on the number and scope of submissions received.

Investment in green transition, critical raw materials, sustainable transportation

The priority areas are based on the strategic priorities of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), focusing on key economic sectors where foreign investment is needed.

In the area of the green transition, investments are required in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and innovative energy technologies in order to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, foster a circular economy, mitigate climate change, and modernize energy, water, wastewater treatment, and waste management infrastructure, according to the call.

Ensuring environmentally responsible access to critical raw materials

When it comes to critical raw materials, investments are needed to ensure reliable and environmentally responsible access to such materials, in order to support the development of key industries across all supply chain stages, according to the European Commission.

The other areas envisaged by the call are sustainable transportation, including urban mobility; the digital transition, including the roll-out of 5G; integration into the EU industrial supply chains; sustainable tourism; human capital development; and impact finance, including setting up private funds to invest in projects with a strong green and/or social impact.

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