Thousands of Serbians took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday to protest against the resumption of mining operations in the Jadar Valley, one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits. Activists argue that the mining project, led by the Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto, would cause irreversible environmental damage to the region.
The protest comes after the Serbian government reinstated Rio Tinto’s mining licence last month, overturning a 2022 decision that had revoked it amid widespread demonstrations. The government has pledged strict environmental safety measures, but President Aleksandar Vucic’s assurances have not quelled public concerns.
Protesters, numbering between 24,000 and 27,000 according to the Interior Ministry, chanted “Rio Tinto get out of Serbia” and held banners reading “We do not give Serbia away.” Activists also disrupted two major railway stations in the city, with some sitting on tracks to impede traffic. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic warned that those involved in the protests might face legal action.
Environmental groups are calling for a permanent ban on lithium and boron mining in Serbia, citing risks to public health and environmental contamination. They had set a deadline for the government to enact the ban by Saturday.
The Serbian government’s reversal has been framed as a constitutional necessity, with the EU describing the decision as a “historic day” for both Serbia and Europe.
However, Green-Left Movement co-leader Biljana Djordjevic criticized the move, arguing that Serbia is being sacrificed to supply lithium for electric vehicles that many Serbians cannot afford.
Rio Tinto’s $2.4 billion project could meet up to 90% of Europe’s lithium demand and position the company as a leading global producer.
Chioma Kalu
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