Massive Protests Against Lithium Mine in Serbia

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has secured a deal to supply the European Union with lithium, essential for the future of electric vehicles. The Jadar deposit, which received development approval in 2017, faced setbacks due to protests that led to the revocation of its permit two years ago. While the EU views this partnership positively, many Serbians are concerned that Vučić's increasing reliance on foreign support has bolstered his autocratic governance. Experts suggest that Russia is backing Vučić's narrative, framing the protests against the Jadar project as a "color revolution" instigated by Western interference. Aleksandar Đokić, a specialist in Serbia-Russia relations, notes that this rhetoric allows Vučić to portray himself as a defender against Western meddling. He has adopted a dual approach, promoting the mine as a symbol of Serbia's progress towards the West while simultaneously labeling protests as foreign-backed attempts to destabilize his government. Environmental concerns are at the forefront of the protests, with activists demanding better protections for clean air and water. Živković, a local advocate, emphasized that many Serbians lack access to clean water, highlighting the urgency of their demands. In response, Rio Tinto, the mining company behind the Jadar project, has launched a campaign to address these environmental fears, asserting that the mine will adhere to both EU and Serbian environmental regulations. The Jadar Valley, where the lithium mining is proposed, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions, as Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on lithium from countries like China. Despite the backing of the U.S. and EU, the project remains contentious, with local opposition underscoring the complex interplay of environmental, political, and economic factors at stake.