Rio Tinto’s local branch said on Tuesday that it had revised the dynamics of the Jadar lithium mine projects in western Serbia.

A statement said that the issuing of mining permits was delayed leading the company to revise the pace of implementation for the Jadar project. “Initial commercial production is expected to start in 2027 at the earliest (earlier plans were 2026) based on current assessments and if all relevant permits are secured,” it said.

Rio Tinto said it remains committed to the project but added that in future it has to listen to and respect the views of all interested parties. “Rio Tinto will use the additional time to continue its engagement with the community and clear up any questions about the potential effects of the project on the environment,” it added.

Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that the exploitation field permits have not been issued and added that the government will not issue them or do anything else without consulting the local community in the Jadar area.

The exploitation field permits are a condition for Rio Tinto to formally submit studies on the effects on the environment to the Serbian government, the statement said and added those studies are crucial to assessing and defining measures to ease the possible effects on the environment.

Rio Tinto said that it is committed to following the highest environmental standards and to the development of the Jadar project in a sustainable manner in line with international practice and all Serbian and European Union laws and regulations.