- Thousands protested in central Belgrade on August 10, demanding the government halt Rio Tinto’s lithium project in Western Serbia due to fears of environmental damage.
- The Serbian government dismissed the protests as politically motivated, claiming they aimed to undermine President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. Meanwhile, the Jadar project promises to meet 90% of Europe’s lithium needs, potentially boosting Serbia’s economy.
- On July 19, Serbia signed a deal with the EU to grant member states access to Serbian raw materials, including lithium, as part of the EU’s strategy to reduce reliance on imports from the US and Asia.
Thousands gathered in central Belgrade on Saturday, August 10, to demand the government halt Rio Tinto’s proposed lithium project in Western Serbia. Demonstrators expressed fears that the mine could pollute local land and water.
Protestors waved Serbian flags and chanted, “You will not dig” and “Rio Tinto, leave Serbia!” They packed the streets leading to Terazije Square, strongly opposing the project. Many fear the environmental impact of what could become Europe’s largest lithium mine.
Government officials dismissed the protests as politically driven, accusing them of trying to destabilise President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. Zlatko Kokanovic, a protest leader and farmer from the Jadar region where the mine might be built, urged demonstrators to block significant train stations in Belgrade. Kokanovic warned that the mine would devastate the region’s agriculture.
In July, Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto’s license to develop the $2.4 billion Jadar project. This decision reversed a 2022 government move to halt the process after strong opposition from environmental groups. The decision triggered protests across Serbia, with many demanding a complete ban on lithium exploration and mining.
“We will not give up. The mine cannot destroy agricultural land,” said Mica Miliovanovic, a 63-year-old protester. “This fight is not political; it’s about our future.”
President Vucic, speaking on Friday, claimed Serbian authorities received intelligence from Russia about a potential coup. Vice Premier Aleksandar Vulin echoed these concerns, urging caution. The alleged threat added more tension to the already heated situation.
The Jadar project could supply 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs, positioning Rio Tinto as a global leader in lithium production. Lithium plays a crucial role in batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices. Government officials argue the project could significantly boost Serbia’s economy, but environmentalists believe the environmental cost outweighs the benefits.
This issue reaches beyond Serbia. On July 19, Vucic signed an agreement with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU Energy Commissioner Maros Sefcovic. The deal grants EU member states access to raw materials mined in Serbia, including lithium. The agreement aligns with the EU’s strategy to reduce dependence on US and Asian imports.
Despite the government’s push for the project, opposition continues to grow. Environmental activists and residents express deep concerns about the long-term consequences of lithium mining. Many fear that the project will cause irreversible damage to the environment, particularly agriculture and water sources in the region.
Protesters vow to keep fighting against the mine. They believe the government prioritises economic gains over the health and safety of its people. As tensions escalate, the future of the Jadar project remains uncertain. This struggle will likely influence Serbia’s environmental policies and its relationship with international partners.