Protests Against Lithium Mining Project Erupt in Serbia

Protests Erupt Across Serbia Against Controversial Lithium Mining Project

On Monday, thousands of citizens took to the streets in Serbia to voice their opposition to a recently signed lithium excavation agreement with the European Union. Demonstrations were organized in several towns, including Savac, Kraljevo, Arandjelovac, Ljig, and Barajevo. These protests are part of a growing wave of public dissent that has swept through various Serbian communities in recent weeks.

The agreement, finalized earlier this month, aims to secure “critical raw materials” that could help Europe reduce its dependency on China for essential resources. However, many fear that this deal could also lead to Serbia, a nation with longstanding ties to Russia and China, drifting closer to the European Union.

Environmentalists and opposition groups within Serbia have fiercely criticized the deal, arguing that it poses a significant threat to the environment while promising minimal benefits for the Serbian populace. The largest lithium reserves in the country are located in a western valley that boasts fertile land and abundant water resources, raising concerns about the potential ecological impact of mining activities.

The multinational corporation Rio Tinto initiated an exploration project in this fertile region several years ago, igniting widespread public outcry that ultimately led to the suspension of the project. Earlier this month, however, Serbia’s constitutional court reversed the government’s prior decision to cancel the $2.4 billion mining project proposed by the British-American company, thereby paving the way for its potential revival.

The government’s earlier cancellation of the excavation plans came in response to massive protests in Belgrade and other Serbian cities in 2021, where demonstrators blocked major roads and bridges to make their voices heard. In light of the renewed controversy, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that any mining activities will not commence before 2028, emphasizing that the government will seek robust environmental guarantees before proceeding with any excavation. Furthermore, some officials have suggested that the possibility of holding a referendum on this contentious issue may be considered in the future.