KEY POINTS
- Protestors in Serbia rally against Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium project, citing environmental concerns.
- Rio Tinto’s project could meet 90 percent of Europe’s lithium needs but faces significant public opposition.
- The Serbian government supports the project for its potential economic benefits, but public skepticism persists.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in the western Serbian town of Loznica on Wednesday, voicing their opposition to Rio Tinto’s planned lithium mine. The demonstrators fear the project will have damaging effects on the environment, despite the government’s support for the development.
Opposition to the Jadar lithium project
The protest follows the rejection of an opposition draft law by Serbia’s ruling coalition, which sought to ban mining and exploration of lithium and borates.
Protesters carried Serbian flags and banners with slogans such as “You Shall Not Dig” and “Back Away From Jadar.” Protest leaders announced plans for one-hour road blockades across several locations on Saturday.
Zlatko Kokanovic, one of the protest leaders, emphasized the commitment of the movement. “We are preparing warning road blockades in several locations across the country this weekend. We will see how we proceed from there,” he said.
The Jadar lithium project, which Rio Tinto aims to develop, has been a focal point of debate in Serbia. The country has significant lithium reserves, and Rio Tinto’s project could meet 90 percent of Europe’s lithium needs. However, environmental groups argue the mine could cause irreversible damage to farmland and water supplies in the region.
Environmental concerns vs. economic promises
The opposition to the project is rooted in environmental concerns, particularly the potential pollution of natural resources vital for agriculture. Environmentalists have been vocal in their criticism, with activist Branka Petrovic stating, “There’s no retreat or surrender. They will not ravage nature and our lives.”
The Serbian government, however, has promoted the project as an opportunity for economic growth. In June, President Aleksandar Vucic expressed his optimism, stating that mining operations could begin as early as 2028.
According to Mining.com, Government officials argue the project would bring substantial economic benefits, including jobs and foreign investment, while also positioning Serbia as a major player in the global lithium market.
Future of the Jadar project
Rio Tinto has pledged to follow strict environmental regulations if the project moves forward. In July, the company stated that all legal and permitting requirements would be met, and public consultations would be held before the project’s implementation.
Despite these assurances, public skepticism remains high, with many concerned about the potential long-term impact on Serbia’s environment.
The protests come after the Serbian government revoked Rio Tinto’s licenses for the $2.4 billion Jadar project in 2022 due to widespread opposition. While the project remains in limbo, the outcome of these ongoing protests and the government’s stance on mining could significantly influence the future of the Jadar project.
