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Thousands Protest Rio Tinto’s Lithium Project in Serbia

Thousands block roads in Serbia to oppose new laws benefiting foreign mining companies

Belgrade and other Serbian cities witnessed mass protests over the weekend as citizens took to the streets to oppose two newly enacted laws that environmentalists claim will facilitate foreign companies’ exploitation of the country’s natural resources. The demonstrations specifically targeted Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium project and Zijin Mining’s Cukaru Peki copper and gold mine, both accused of posing severe environmental threats.

Protestors, carrying banners that read “Stop investors, save nature, we are not giving up on nature in Serbia,” and chanting “Rio Tinto get away from the Drina river,” caused significant traffic disruptions by blocking major roads and bridges. The demonstrations echoed internationally, with solidarity protests held in Berlin, New York, and at Rio Tinto’s London headquarters.

Renowned Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic joined the chorus of dissent, sharing a photo of the protest on Instagram and emphasizing the importance of clean air, water, and food for overall health.

Rio Tinto’s Jadar Project Faces Opposition

Discovered in 2004, Rio Tinto’s Jadar project is poised to become one of the world’s largest greenfield lithium mines, with the potential to produce 58,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually. The project, greenlighted by Rio Tinto in July, has been touted as a crucial component in addressing the looming lithium supply gap, driven by the surging demand for electric vehicles (EVs) and green technologies.

However, the project has encountered stiff resistance from local communities concerned about its potential environmental impact.

Europe’s Growing Dependence on Lithium

The European Union is emerging as a major player in the EV market and is actively investing in battery cell manufacturing. To secure a stable supply of lithium, the EU is incentivizing domestic production. Under the 2020 Brexit free trade deal, British carmakers are mandated to source a significant portion of battery components locally by 2024.

Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Concerns

The Serbian government views the mining sector as a key driver of economic growth, projecting it to contribute 4-5% of the country’s GDP within a decade. However, the protests highlight the complex challenge of balancing economic development with environmental sustainability.

 

 

 

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