Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday, rallying against the controversial lithium mineproject set to become a key component in Europe’s green energy transition. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Rio Tinto get out of Serbia” and “You won’t dig” as they marched through the city, with some protesters blocking tracks at the main railway station, disrupting traffic.
The Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto is developing the lithium mine near the western Serbian city of Loznica. This project has been a persistent political issue in Serbia due to concerns about its potential environmental impacts. Discovered in 2004, the mine’s development was halted in 2022 following mass protests. However, the government revived the project after a court ruling last month deemed the decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permits unconstitutional.
Serbia’s government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union, marking the initial step toward developing the country’s lithium resources. Lithium is a critical metal for electric vehicle batteries, essential for the shift towards greener automotive production. Despite this, the project remains deeply unpopular due to fears of water pollution and public health risks.
Protesters, including 58-year-old Slobodan Stanimirovic from Radjevina near the mine’s location, have voiced their concerns, stating that the protest is about defending life in Serbia. This latest protest is part of a broader series of demonstrations across the country following the reinstatement of the mine’s licenses. Activists are urging lawmakers to enact a permanent ban on lithium and boron mining in Serbia. Environmental groups have warned of further civil disobedience and traffic blockades if the government does not respond by the 10 August deadline. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has assured the public that no mining will proceed without stringent environmental safety guarantees.
