Thousands Protest Against Rio Tinto Lithium Mine in Serbia

A wave of protests swept across Serbia on Monday as thousands gathered in the city of Sabac and several other towns to voice their opposition to Rio Tinto‘s (ASX: RIO) planned lithium mining project in the western Jadar region. 

The demonstrations, organized by environmental groups and concerned citizens, reflect growing public anxiety over the potential ecological impact of what would become Europe’s largest lithium mine.

Protesters in Sabac, located about 50 kilometers northeast of the proposed mine site, demanded the cancellation of the project. Biljana Stepanovic, representing the rights organization Proglas, emphasized the importance of clean air and water over lithium batteries and electric vehicles, saying “We cannot live without clean air and water, but we can live without lithium batteries and electric cars.” 

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The protests come in the wake of the Serbian government’s recent decision to reinstate Rio Tinto’s license for the project, which had been revoked two years ago due to similar public outcry. This move, coupled with a trilateral agreement signed on July 19 between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU energy chief Maros Sefcovic regarding access to raw materials in Serbia, has reignited concerns among environmental activists.

Despite assurances from Chancellor Scholz that the project would adhere to EU environmental standards, many protesters remain skeptical. Some environmental groups have threatened to escalate their actions, including blocking major transportation routes in August if the government does not halt the project.

President Vucic has announced plans for a referendum on the mine by the end of 2025, but this has done little to quell current protests. 

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