Rio Tinto discovered deposits in this region in 2006. The company plans to invest $2.4 billion in the project, according to Vesna Prodanovic, director of Rio Sava, Rio Tinto's sister company in Serbia.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been widely criticized for the plan, with his administration accused of paving the way for illegal land grabs and sidelining environmental concerns highlighted by activists.

And if the opponents of the project savor its suspension, they are wary of a political maneuver a few months before crucial elections for President Aleksandar Vucic.

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