In a massive show of dissent, thousands of Serbians took to the streets of Belgrade to protest against the controversial plans to mine one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits located in the Jadar Valley. The demonstration reflects deep-seated concerns about environmental degradation and public health risks posed by the mining project led by the Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto.
The protest, which drew between 24,000 and 27,000 participants according to Serbia’s Interior Ministry, saw activists chanting slogans such as “Rio Tinto get out of Serbia” and brandishing banners declaring, “We do not give Serbia away.” In a dramatic display of opposition, environmentalists also occupied two of the city’s major railway stations, with some protesters lying down on the tracks to block traffic.
The Jadar Valley project, initially halted in 2022 due to widespread public outcry, was revived last month after a court decision and a controversial government reversal. Activists argue that the mining operations will lead to irreversible damage to the local environment, including potential contamination of land and water sources. They have called for a permanent ban on lithium and boron mining in Serbia, warning of severe ecological and health consequences.
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic has promised that strict environmental safety measures will be enforced to mitigate potential impacts. However, this reassurance has not quelled the fears of many Serbians, who are concerned about the long-term environmental costs associated with the project.
Interior Minister Ivica Dacic has warned that legal action will be taken against the protest organizers for their unsanctioned demonstrations. The activists had set a deadline for the government to implement the ban, which has now passed without a resolution.
The project is significant on a global scale, as it is expected to supply up to 90% of Europe’s lithium needs, a crucial material for electric vehicle batteries. Despite the environmental controversy, the EU has celebrated the project’s revival, seeing it as a landmark development for Serbia and Europe’s green transition.
As Serbia navigates this contentious issue, the conflict between environmental priorities and economic ambitions continues to fuel widespread debate and public protest.
