Valjevo Borates
Safe for nature. Valuable for everyone.
The Valjevo Borates project is a responsible and safe underground mining initiative for sodium borate ore, located 15 km northeast of Valjevo, Serbia. This deposit is one of the three most significant sodium borate deposits in the world.
It represents a rare and valuable natural resource which, through responsible and sustainable development, can generate long-term benefits for both Valjevo and Serbia. With full transparency, the application of the highest environmental standards, and a strong commitment to community well-being, this project is designed to deliver benefits for all — without harm to anyone.
Underground Extraction Without Impact on Surface Life
The underground mine would be developed at a depth of approximately 275 meters and would not affect daily life or natural ecosystems on the surface. The only visible surface infrastructure would occupy less than 10 hectares in the Valjevo area. Ore transport from the mine to the processing facility would be carried out by rail, minimizing environmental and traffic impacts.
Ore Processing - Only Warm Water and Sodium Carbonate
The ore processing plant is planned to be built near one of the inactive open pits of the Kolubara Mining Basin. Processing will use only warm water and sodium carbonate.
This is a safe, well-established technology that has been in use for nearly 100 years, applied under the strictest environmental protection standards. The tailings generated during processing will be used for the remediation and recultivation of inactive open pits within the Kolubara Mining Basin.
This means that the project would actively contribute to environmental restoration, not only resource development.
Public-Private Partnership That Benefits Everyone
We propose that this project be implemented in partnership with the Republic of Serbia through a public–private partnership model. This includes profit-sharing over an estimated exploitation period of more than 30 years. The mine would generate approximately €500 million in revenues for the Republic of Serbia and the City of Valjevo through mineral royalties. Around 1,000 jobs across a wide range of professional profiles would be created. Total investment is estimated at approximately €500 million.
Why Valjevo Borates Matter
As one of the three most significant sodium borate deposits in the world, Valjevo Borates is estimated to supply 10–15% of global demand for this strategically important mineral.
Borates are essential for agriculture, pharmaceuticals, energy systems, electronics, construction materials, aerospace, and the defense industry. This positions Valjevo and Serbia as strategically important locations in the global economy.
Project Status
The sodium borate mining project is currently in the development and analysis phase. Further exploration is required to obtain a more precise understanding of the deposit. The more accurate the geological data, the clearer the development pathway and the closer we move toward the start of responsible extraction.
This is a long-term process involving years of research, analysis, and detailed planning, carried out with the goal of developing this underground resource responsibly and safely, together with Valjevo and Serbia.
