Rio Tinto mothballs $2.95bn Jadar lithium project in Serbia

Core Insights - Rio Tinto has decided to halt further development of the $2.95 billion Jadar lithium project in Serbia as part of a strategy to streamline operations and focus on near-term opportunities [1][3] - The Jadar project has faced multiple setbacks, including permitting delays and local opposition, despite hosting high-grade lithium resources [2][4] - The decision aligns with CEO Simon Trott's initiative to simplify the company's structure and prioritize capital allocation towards growth opportunities [3][4] Project Status - The Jadar project has not yet commenced production and has been placed into "care and maintenance" due to lack of progress in permitting [1][2] - The project has become a focal point of public discontent, complicating its advancement [2] Strategic Focus - Rio Tinto aims to optimize its portfolio and improve operational efficiency, remaining the only large diversified mining company to invest significantly in lithium [4] - The company reorganized into three core divisions: iron ore, aluminium combined with lithium, and copper under Trott's leadership [3] Market Context - The lithium market has seen a significant downturn, with prices dropping approximately 85% from their peak in 2022 [5] - Despite the downturn, Rio Tinto plans to increase its capital expenditure to the highest level in over a decade [5]