Ultimately, the decision on whether to exploit the resource will rest with the local populace, who will express their view via a referendum.
ArCore AG, which has its local headquarters in Laktaši, released a statement detailing their completion of all necessary studies to identify the mineral deposits in the Lopare municipality region.
“All investigations were rigorously adhered to, in compliance with legal regulations and aligning with the highest geological and environmental standards, both locally and internationally. We meet all prerequisites to apply for a concession to utilise this European mineral deposit. We were granted the exploration licence in 2018, followed by three intensive phases of research from 2020 to 2022. Our mineralogical studies over the past four and a half years reveal the deposit contains significant quantities of lithium carbonate, magnesium, potassium, and boron,” the company stated.
Conversely, Lopare municipality’s chief, Rado Savić, highlighted that the decision on lithium exploitation will be determined by the citizens through a referendum. However, this will only take place once all reports from relevant institutions are presented and assurances are given that the exploitation won’t negatively impact the environment.