The representatives of the Rio-tinto company announced today at a meeting between the President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and citizens in Ljubovia that for them the safety of all the people who work in their mines and live in their surroundings is the first priority, so that water, land and natural habitats are safe.
“But the biggest challenge for us is to win the trust of you who live here. I understand that Rio Tinto has not yet won the trust of everyone in Serbia and one of the reasons why I am here today is to convey our promises to you as a reflection of our dedication,” said the executive the director of that company is Jakob Stausholm.
Enumerating his promises, he pointed out that he will personally take care and hold accountable every company employee or contractor on the Jadar project, who is engaged in the construction of a modern, underground mine which, he stated, is safe for all residents and the environment.
He also said that those who will be engaged in the construction of the mine will “live in Loznica, eat local food, drink local water”, and that he supports “starting from this moment” the supervision of the local community over the company’s activity in the construction and operation of the mine.
“Our team will honestly answer everyone based on the facts regarding concerns and doubts. When we make a mistake, we will correct it,” promised Stausholm.
He also said that Rio Tinto will never stop working to maintain the trust of citizens because each of them and their descendants must not live in fear that the new underground mine will be harmful.
“I came to hear what concerns you, to participate in a conversation based on facts,” said Stausholm.
Vučić commented that he would have liked the director’s presentation to have included more concrete answers to the burning questions – about water, landfill and sulfur dioxide.
He said people were genuinely concerned and that “this is not going to be an easy and simple conversation.”
The announced mining of lithium caused concern in cities across Serbia, where numerous mass protests were held on the occasion.
