Mass Protests Erupt in Serbia Over Lithium Mining Project

In Belgrade, Serbia, thousands have taken to the streets to protest a controversial lithium mining project in the Jadar Valley, one of Europe’s largest untapped lithium deposits. This demonstration underscores growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of the project, which is spearheaded by the multinational mining company Rio Tinto.

The Jadar Valley, located in western Serbia, is home to significant lithium reserves crucial for electric vehicle batteries. The protestors argue that mining operations could lead to severe and irreversible environmental damage, including threats to local ecosystems and water sources. Activists are demanding a permanent ban on lithium and boron mining in the region.

In 2022, widespread protests led to the Serbian government revoking Rio Tinto’s mining license. However, a recent court ruling and subsequent government reversal allowed the project to resume last month. President Aleksandar Vucic has assured the public that stringent environmental safeguards will be implemented. Despite this, skepticism remains high among activists and local residents.

During the protest, participants chanted slogans like “Rio Tinto get out of Serbia” and displayed banners with messages such as “We do not give Serbia away.” Estimates from Serbia’s Interior Ministry suggest that between 24,000 and 27,000 people attended the rally. The protestors also disrupted transportation by occupying two major railway stations, with some demonstrators sitting or lying on the tracks. This action led to warnings from police and promises of legal consequences for those involved.

Activists argue that the environmental risks of the mining project—such as land and water contamination—pose serious threats to public health. They had previously set a deadline for the government to implement a ban on the mining operations. The Serbian government’s recent decision to reinstate Rio Tinto’s license has been criticized by environmental groups and has sparked further protests.

The European Union has welcomed the revival of the Rio Tinto project, calling it a “historic day” for Serbia and Europe due to the project’s potential to significantly boost lithium supplies. The $2.4 billion project is expected to meet up to 90% of Europe’s current lithium demand, positioning Rio Tinto as a major player in the global lithium market. This is particularly significant as the automotive industry increasingly relies on lithium for electric vehicle batteries.

Critics, including the Green-Left Movement’s co-leader Biljana Djordjevic, argue that the project benefits international corporations and car manufacturers more than the local Serbian population, which may not see substantial gains from the development. Djordjevic and other activists fear that Serbia might be exploited for resources while bearing the brunt of environmental degradation.

The tension between the Serbian government’s economic interests and environmental concerns highlights a broader debate about resource extraction and sustainability. While the project promises economic benefits and supports Europe’s transition to electric vehicles, it also raises questions about the long-term costs to local communities and the environment. The outcome of this conflict could set a precedent for how such projects are handled in the future.