Did you know the Valjevo area contains one of the three most significant deposits of sodium borates in the world?
It is a vast and rare resource that when developed responsibly and safely will bring benefits to Valjevo and Serbia.
Safe for the Environment, Valuable to All.
Here we share our ideas and plans for how we can bring ore material from deep underground to the surface and process it safely so that everyone benefits and the environment is protected. We believe in transparency, the highest environmental standards, and care for the local community. We believe in shared benefits.
Underground Extraction
An underground extraction at a depth of about 275 meters, without impacts on everyday life and nature at the surface. The only visible part of the site related to the operation would cover less than 10 hectares in the Valjevo area. The ore brought to surface would be transported by rail to the processing plant.
Processing - hot water and sodium carbonate
The mineral processing facility is planned for the existing industrial zone near the inactive coal pits. Hot water and sodium carbonate would be used in mineral processing to create a final product saleable to the local, regional, and international markets. This safe, well-known technology has been used for more than 100 years and allows for recycling of the water used. Abandoned coal pits would be remediated and reclaimed by backfilling with non-hazardous tailings from processing. The strictest environmental protection standards would be applied.
A public - private partnership brings benefits to all
This project will be implemented as a public-private partnership with the Republic of Serbia. Over an estimated mine life of more than 30 years, the project would include profit-sharing, in addition to mining royalties and other sources of revenues such as corporate and labour taxes. Mining royalties alone are estimated at approximately €500 million for the Republic of Serbia and the City of Valjevo, with around 1,000 new jobs and an estimated investment of about €500 million.
Why are Valjevo’s borates important?
Some 15 km northeast of City of Valjevo lies one of the three most significant deposits of sodium borates in the world. Valjevo Borates could provide up to 10% of global supply for this extremely important mineral and become the only alternative supply for Europe.
Borates are vital for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy, electronics, automotive, construction, aerospace and other important industries.
This deposit positions Valjevo and Serbia as an important location in the global economy.
3D Project Visualisation
A 3D visualisation of the entire Valjevo Borates project. Explore the Project in detail, including planned facilities, equipment, and application of various technologies.