Thousands protest lithium project in Serbia

On August 10, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Belgrade to protest against Rio Tinto’s lithium mining project in Western Serbia, citing concerns over potential pollution of land and water resources. Protest leaders, including farmer Zlatko Kokanović from the Jadar region, called for the blockade of major train stations, emphasizing the urgency of their demands. The protests follow the Serbian government’s recent decision to reinstate Rio Tinto’s license for what is projected to be Europe’s largest lithium mine, a move that has reignited nationwide dissent. The protests were sparked by the government’s controversial decision to allow the lithium project to proceed, which had been halted two years prior due to environmental concerns raised by activists. Protesters set a deadline for the government to ban lithium exploration and exploitation, which expired on the day of the demonstration. Mica Miliovanović, a local worker, expressed the sentiment of many, stating, “The mine cannot be built on agricultural land,” and insisted that the movement is not politically motivated. Serbian Vice Premier Aleksandar Vulin acknowledged the public's apprehension regarding the project, which, if realized, could meet 90% of Europe’s lithium demand and position Rio Tinto as a leading global producer. While government officials argue that the mine would significantly boost Serbia’s economy, environmentalists warn that the ecological costs could be detrimental. The project has gained further complexity following a recent agreement between Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU energy commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, facilitating EU access to Serbia’s raw materials, including lithium.