Name of the Project
Jadar lithium project.

Location
The proposed project is located near the City of Loznica, in western Serbia.

Project Owner/s
Rio Tinto.

Project Description
Jadar is one of the biggest greenfield lithium projects in development.

It has the potential to supply the world with a significant number of end-industrial products for lithium batteries used in electric vehicles and by energy storage facilities.

The proposed development includes an underground mine, sustainable industrial processing and waste facilities, as well as associated infrastructure. The project would be capable of producing about 55 000 t/y of battery-grade lithium carbonate, as well as 160 000 t/y of boric acid and 255 000 t/y of sodium sulphate as by-products.

The project could also supply borates, which are used in the manufacturing of detergents, cosmetics and other consumer goods.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Net Present Value/Internal Rate of Return
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
The project is estimated at $200-million.

This will primarily fund the feasibility study, including the completion of detailed engineering designs, permitting and land acquisition by the end of 2021.

Planned Start/End Date
Not stated.

Latest Developments
A maiden ore reserve of 16.6-million tonnes, grading 1.18% lithium oxide and 13.4% boron trioxide, has been declared at the Jadar lithium/borate project.

The project contains a mineral resource estimate of 55.2-million tonnes of indicated resourcesat 1.68% lithium oxide and 17.9% boron trioxide, with an additional 84.1-million tonnes of inferred resources at 1.84% lithium oxide and 12.6% boron trioxide.

At the end of July 2020, the project advanced into feasibility study, which is expected to be complete at the end of 2021. If approved, construction could take up to four years.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
None stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
Rio Tinto, email media.enquiries@riotinto.com.