Deal #9429

The resident of Loznica and the municipality of Krupanj discovered that public consultation for this strategic plan had been announced and planning sessions conducted, but that none of the citizens had been informed or invited. As Rio Tinto's emergence stroke one of the strongest environmental-based protests in Serbia, President Vučić promised that everything will be resolved in a referendum. However, the recent changes to the referendum law also the Law on Expropriation, according to which property will be confiscated from citizens within five days if the state deems it in the public interest, only added to a general rebellion.

The project has triggered significant concern among environmentalists and some residents around the proposed site in Loznica, western Serbia, who say it will devastate the local environment, and undermine agriculture, and fuel depopulation. These protests include blocked main roads in Belgrade and other cities across Serbia, clashes with police, and clashes between insurgents and football hooligans controlled by the Serbian Progressive Party who attacked protesters in Sabac with batons

The farmers claim, "With the arrival of Rio Tinto, the land will be confiscated. We will not be able to feed the herd"

In 2021, 34 of the 83 houses with lands have been sold so far to the operating company in Mačva because of mine digging and further environmental danger. As company source claims, there are 52 permanently occupied houses (overall) in the project footprint, and a further 293 landowners whose land will be impacted by the mine

(1) The initial comprehensive environmental study warns that project implementation would lead to potential deterioration of water quality, "degradation of natural habitat", effects on migration routes, "population fragmentation" and accumulation of various types of waste, and highlights chemical changes in the soil that can lead to complete barrenness. (2) In September 2020, the company was accused of polluting rivers in Papua New Guinea by releasing toxic substances. More than 150 citizens of Bougainville in Papua New Guinea have complained that Rio Tinto's actions have caused health problems for 12,000 people living in the area (3) During massive protests, numerous violent cases have been detected, initiated by Serbian police.

"Every affected household will be supported in developing a tailored plan for these changes, including: Іelective support for the replacement of agricultural land for those experience difficulties in securing such land, support for the modernization of agricultural equipment, training and education to enhance employability, small business support, including prioritisation in project procurement processes."

Five locals from the Loznica area received compensation from Rio Tinto after groundwater spilled on their crops during the investigation.The laboratory report showed that the leaked water contained elevated concentrations of boron, sodium, and other chemical elements. The company confirmed that there was a leak, but that it was a "small number" of devices for which the landowners were compensated in the amount of 2,000 euros.

"we have donated to support local initiatives in education, health and safety and environment. This includes our COVID-19 response and recovery support donations the Red Cross in Belgrade and in Loznica for essential food and hygiene items for the cities’ most vulnerable citizens, to UNICEF in Serbia, as part of the volunteer initiative Donate and Duplicate, to which more than 50% of Jadar employees contributed".

series of protests called "Environmental Uprising", Coalition for Sustainable Mining (KORS), NGOs Protect Jadar and Rađevina, Association of Environmental Organizations of Serbia - SEOS, Kreni-promeni