However,the project has been facing intensifying local opposition in Serbia and large-scale protests in recent months,with campaigners calling on the government to cancel the project amid concerns about the potentially harmful environmental impact of mining in the agricultural region.
The decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s licences comes with the Serbian government under significant public pressure ahead of a general election in April. Relations between Serbia and Australia have also deteriorated sincethe deportation of unvaccinated tennis star Novak Djokovic.
“We are listening to our people and it is our job to protect their interests even when we think differently,” Ms Brnabic told reporters.
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“All decisions[linked to the lithium project] have been annulled. As far as project Jadar as concerned,this is an end.”
Rio Tinto on Friday said it was “extremely concerned” by Ms Brnabic’s statements about cancelling the spatial plan and revoking its licences. The company said it was reviewing the legal basis of the Prime Minister’s decision.
“Throughout our work on the Jadar project we have always operated in compliance with the laws of the Republic of Serbia,” a company spokesman said.