Đedović signed Memorandums in China: Zidjin Mining invests another 3.8 billion dollars in Serbia

The Memorandum on the Development of the Lower Zone of the Čukaru Peki Mine, by which "Zidjin Mining" confirmed its intention to invest an additional 3.8 billion dollars in the Republic of Serbia, and the Memorandum on the Development of the 300 MW solar power plant project for the company's needs were signed.

"Thanks to today's Memorandum, which includes 3.8 billion dollars of new investments, Serbia will rank among the largest European copper producers and leading gold producers, but also create the possibility for additional investments, of course with the obligation to apply the highest environmental standards." Also, the investment of Zijin Mining in a solar power plant worth 200 million dollars will enable the synergy of renewable energy sources and mining, as well as better environmental protection, because the use of energy from coal and fossil fuels will be reduced," said the minister.

The memorandums were signed as part of the "One China, One Serbia" Investment Forum, which was held as part of the 23rd China International Investment and Trade Fair, where the Republic of Serbia is the guest of honor.

Closing the forum, the minister reminded that the Zijin Mining company is one of the pillars of the cooperation between the Republic of Serbia and the People's Republic of China and emphasized that today's Memorandums begin a new era of even better relations, which are based above all on the friendly relations between the two presidents, Aleksandar Vučić and Xi Jinping.

Đedović invited other companies from the People's Republic of China to invest in Serbia and reminded that Serbia has earned the reputation of a "rising star" in the world of foreign direct investments, as from 2012 to 2022 they have increased by more than four times, from one billion to 4.4 billion dollars. She also reminded that the Republic of Serbia, even now in the conditions of the world crisis, continues the trend of economic growth, despite the slowdown of the European economy.

"We gained our reputation thanks to outstanding economic results, which are reflected in stable economic growth, reduction of unemployment, constant improvement of business conditions. Bearing in mind the challenges of the energy transition, the energy crisis, the need for new production capacities and the growing need for mineral raw materials, we expect energy and mining to be one of the drivers of economic growth and development in Serbia in the next decade," the minister stated.

She added that in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development, Serbia needs about 15 billion Euros in energy investments, primarily in renewable energy sources, reversible hydroelectric power plants and gas power plants, as well as significant investments in the development of the transmission and distribution network and the construction of gas interconnectors to neighboring countries.

"Mining is the leading sector in the growth of industrial production in Serbia and records a growth of 22% in 2022 compared to 2021, which was significantly contributed by the company Zijin Mining, which employs about 7,700 people in our country.”Serbia is rich in some critical minerals, which represents a unique opportunity in the 21st century, and our goal is to use the mineral wealth we have in a rational, responsible, efficient and sustainable way, for the sake of future generations," said Đedović.

During her visit to China, the minister will also visit the mine and smelter of the Zijin Mining company in the city of Shanghang County.