As the world accelerates its transition to renewable energy and sustainable technologies, lithium has emerged as a cornerstone of the green revolution.
In this interview, Marijanti Babić, Country Head of Serbia at Rio Tinto, shares insights into lithium’s pivotal role in energy storage, the challenges and innovations shaping the mining industry, and Serbia’s unique position in Europe’s critical raw materials strategy.
From addressing environmental concerns to exploring the economic potential of the Jadar project, Babić offers a thoughtful perspective on how responsible mining can balance sustainability with progress.
How do you see the role of lithium in the global energy transition over the coming decades?
Lithium is critical to the global energy transition, particularly as it plays a central role in the production of batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems for renewable energy. As we move towards decarbonising economies, lithium will play a critical role in enabling the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources and electric mobility.
Demand for the „white gold“, as it is known, is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades, with some projections indicating a 500% increase by 2050. This will drive the need for new sources of supply, and countries with deposits like Jadar could become key players in securing a sustainable, resilient supply of this essential raw material for the future.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges in achieving a sustainable future based on renewable energy sources?
One of the biggest challenges is ensuring a stable, reliable supply of critical raw materials (CRMs), such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, which are necessary for the production of batteries, electric vehicles, and other renewable energy technologies. Europe currently faces a significant supply gap, and with demand for these materials set to increase drastically, it must reduce its dependency on imports. An important step in that direction was taken with the adoption of the CRMA legislation earlier this year. Additionally, public perception of mining and its environmental impact poses a barrier. Therefore, shifting public attitudes toward mining, which is not the same industry as it was 50 years ago, and ensuring these materials are sourced sustainably are critical challenges to overcome.
How do innovations in mining contribute to reducing the industry’s environmental footprint?
Innovations have made significant strides in reducing the industry’s environmental footprint. New technologies are enabling more responsible mining practices, including the use of electric transport fleets to reduce emissions, minimising land disturbance, and using underground mining methods that leave a smaller environmental footprint. Furthermore, investments in recycling technologies help reduce waste, while advancements in processing techniques aim to reduce water usage and environmental impact.
The development and exploitation of lithium in Serbia can and must align with EU environmental standards
For example, we are looking for ways to ensure that 50% of Jadar waste is used to backfill mining tunnels, reducing the total area the landfill would take up. Innovations like this allow for the responsible extraction of raw materials, ensuring that mining can be part of the solution to the green energy transition.
What are the key benefits of responsible mining, and how can the industry be further improved to gain community acceptance?
Responsible mining offers significant economic, social, and environmental benefits. By adopting modern mining practices, such as underground mining in the case of Jadar, the industry can minimise its impact on ecosystems and biodiversity, allowing communities to continue agriculture, tourism, and other activities vital to their way of life. Additionally, responsible mining can create high-quality jobs, stimulate local economies, and attract investment in infrastructure and technology, contributing to long-term economic growth.
On the social front, it can improve the quality of life for local communities by providing stable employment and generating tax revenues that fund public services. To gain community acceptance, the industry must be transparent, accountable, and engaged with local stakeholders, addressing concerns and building trust.
How can Serbia leverage its natural resources in the green transition process?
With world-class lithium deposits and the Jadar project, which has been under development for nearly 20 years, Serbia is uniquely positioned to play a key role in Europe’s green transition. The country could become a vital lithium supplier, reducing Europe’s reliance on imported critical raw materials. The Memorandum on Cooperation in Critical Minerals with the EU lays a strong foundation for developing an integrated e-mobility value chain.
According to an economic study, this could generate 21,000 high-paying jobs and attract €6.2 billion in foreign direct investment, boosting Serbia’s GDP by over 10%. However, before discussing these economic benefits, it is essential for the company to demonstrate that the project adheres to the highest environmental protection standards.
How do you expect the battery and electric vehicle markets to evolve? Is it realistic to expect other types of batteries to become dominant instead of lithium-based ones?
The battery and EV markets are set to experience exponential growth in the coming decades, driven by the global push towards decarbonisation and renewable energy. Lithium-ion batteries, due to their high energy density, efficiency, and proven performance, are expected to remain the dominant technology for EVs for the foreseeable future.
While alternative technologies, such as sodium-ion or solid-state batteries, are being explored, they are still in the early stages of development and face significant technical challenges, including lower energy density and limited scalability. Given the current trends, it is unlikely that these alternatives will surpass lithium-based batteries in the near future.
One of the most common criticisms from opponents of lithium mining is: “When mining begins in the EU and other developed countries, we’ll agree to open lithium mines here.” What is your response to this?
My response is that lithium projects are already advancing in developed EU countries such as Germany, Austria, France, Finland, and Portugal and will likely begin there before Serbia. This is not good news for Serbia, as it possesses one of the best-studied lithium deposits and could have been a leader in responsibly exploiting this strategic resource, reaping immense benefits.
21,000 high-paying jobs could be generated and attract €6.2 billion in FDI, boosting Serbia’s GDP by over 10%
In the EU, there is a strong sense of urgency to develop sustainable domestic mining to ensure secure, ethical, and efficient critical raw material supply chains, with advanced technologies and strict environmental standards being applied to minimise ecological impact. This approach is reflected in over 20 lithium projects currently under development in the EU, showcasing how mining can align with both environmental protection and economic progress.
To what extent do you believe that the development and exploitation of lithium in Serbia can align with EU environmental standards?
The development and exploitation of lithium in Serbia can and must align with EU environmental standards. The European Union places a strong emphasis on sustainability and responsible mining, and these principles are integrated into its broader policies, including the European Green Deal and the Critical Raw Materials Act.
Serbia, as a candidate country for EU membership, is committed to adhering to these standards. For the Jadar project, implementing advanced technologies and best practices to minimise environmental impact is essential. Without this, Serbia’s lithium will not be viable for the EU market, which is adopting a battery passport—a digital certification verifying the origin and sustainability of materials used in EV batteries. Leading car manufacturers already require this level of accountability, making compliance with strict environmental standards a non-negotiable for market access.
