Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has stated the state will provide assistance to Zijin Mining following a US decision to detain shipments of copper produced by the company. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a Withhold Release Order (WRO) citing concerns over forced labor in the company’s supply chain, specifically related to its operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Vucic emphasized the importance of Zijin’s investments in Serbia and pledged to work with the company to address the issues raised by the US authorities. He indicated that discussions are underway to understand the specifics of the WRO and explore potential solutions. The move impacts copper concentrate originating from the RTB Bor mine, which is owned by Zijin. This development raises concerns about potential economic repercussions for Serbia, a key trading partner with both the US and China. The Serbian government intends to engage with US officials to clarify the situation and mitigate any negative consequences.
