Protesters are concerned that a mining project by Rio Tinto could contaminate water sources and put public health at risk.
Thousands of individuals have gathered in the streets of Belgrade, Serbia to oppose the reopening of a controversial lithium mine intended to play a crucial role in Europe’s shift towards green energy.
Prior to the demonstration on Saturday, two prominent protest leaders stated that they were briefly detained by security forces who cautioned against any attempts to obstruct roads during the protest.
Popular actor Svetlana Bojkovic expressed, “We have gathered here today to speak out against something that transcends politics,” amidst a large crowd chanting “There will be no mining” and other slogans at the rally.
Serbia boasts extensive lithium reserves near Loznica in the west, where a mining venture by Rio Tinto, a multinational mining corporation, has been a divisive issue in the country due to potential environmental repercussions.
The lithium deposits were uncovered in 2004, and after weeks of mass protests, the government temporarily suspended the project in 2022.
Following a court ruling last month that deemed the decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permits unconstitutional, the government reversed its stance on the matter.
In the days that followed, the Serbian government approved the restart of the project and forged a memorandum of understanding with the European Union to facilitate the development of Serbia’s lithium resources.
Lithium is a crucial metal essential for electric vehicle batteries, making it a key element in the auto industry’s transition to eco-friendly manufacturing.
Despite its significance, the project remains unpopular among many in Serbia due to worries that the mine could contaminate water sources and endanger public health.
Slobodan Stanimirovic, a 58-year-old from Radjevina in western Serbia near the future mine site, stated, “I am in Belgrade to defend the survival of life in Serbia.”
The protest in Belgrade is part of a series of demonstrations held across Serbia following the reinstatement of the mine’s permits.
Activists and protesters are urging lawmakers to enact a law permanently prohibiting lithium and boron mining in the country.
Al Jazeera’s Jelena Glusac, reporting from Belgrade on Saturday, noted that more people participated in the protest against the mining project compared to recent rallies on other issues, including demonstrations following two mass shootings last year.
Environmental groups have indicated readiness to block major traffic routes in Serbia and engage in civil disobedience if the government fails to act before the August 10 deadline set by activists.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has reassured that mining activities will not commence until environmental safety measures are guaranteed.
