26.07.2024. / 15:21
BELGRADE – The lithium deposit in western Serbia is not worth exploiting due to environmental risks, because it is the only one in the world where its extraction is planned in a populated and fertile agricultural area, and most importantly, it will certainly destroy one of only three water-bearing areas in Serbia, the team claims. scientist in analysis.
PHOTO: Copilot
Scientists Dragana Đorđević, Jovan M. Tadić, Branimir Grgur, Ratko Ristić, Sanja Sakan, Jelena Brezjanović, Vladimir Stevanović and Bogdan Šolaja published the paper Impact of exploration activities of a potential lithium mine on the environment in western Serbia in the Nature magazine, Beta reported. .
They state in that paper that lithium mining in the Jadar area in a populated and lively agricultural area would be the first and unique case in the world.
“Construction of a mine and a processing plant, within the same industrial complex for the extraction of lithium and boron, would destroy the life activity of about 20,000 residents of the local community who are already making good money,” the analysis of the team of scientists showed.
As they pointed out, the company Rio Tinto plans to place a mine and a processing plant in the middle of fertile land surrounded by settlements that are located above the largest reserve of underground drinking water in western Serbia, and also a tailings pond between two torrential rivers that flood the field every few years.
“A big problem related to the exploitation of lithium in the world is the aggressive process of chemical extraction that includes a huge amount of concentrated mineral acids, primarily concentrated sulfuric acid. The consumption of an enormous amount of water for the production of lithium carbonate would consequently create huge amounts of waste water that would pose a great permanent risk of surface and groundwater pollution,” the analysis states.
It was also pointed out that, although lithium seems to play a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, a huge amount of energy from fossil fuels is consumed in the process of producing lithium carbonate from ores and carbon dioxide emissions are significant.
“The extraction of lithium from mines and the production of lithium carbonate do not contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions,” the analysis states, adding that the deposit in Serbia with about one percent of the global lithium reserve does not offer an amount that will globally solve the problem of climate change.
After detailed analysis, scientists have warned that past exploratory drilling of lithium borate deposits by Rio Tinto has already caused environmental damage, with mine water containing high levels of boron leaking from exploratory wells and causing crops to dry up.
“Furthermore, our research reveals significantly elevated downstream concentrations of boron, arsenic and lithium in nearby rivers compared to upstream regions. By opening the mine, the problems will be multiplied by tailings, mine waste water, noise, air pollution and light pollution, endangering the lives of many local communities and destroying their sources of fresh water, agricultural land, livestock and property”, according to their analysis.
It is also emphasized that “uncontrolled competition for resources can have long-term consequences for the environment and future generations”.
“It is important to consider the perspectives of various stakeholders, including mining companies, activists and government officials when making decisions about mining and resource use. It is true that economic benefits associated with mining projects may emerge, it is crucial to prioritize environmental protection and public health to ensure a sustainable future,” the team of scientists said. Agencies
Source: www.capital.ba
