Massive Protests in Belgrade Oppose Controversial Lithium Mining Project

Thousands of protesters in Belgrade have voiced their concerns over a lithium mining project led by Rio Tinto, fearing it could contaminate water supplies and pose health risks. The streets of the Serbian capital filled with demonstrators opposing the revival of this contentious project, which is seen as critical to Europe's green energy goals.

Prior to Saturday's rally, two prominent protest leaders were briefly detained by security forces, who warned that road blockades during the demonstration would be considered illegal. "We're here to stand against something that transcends politics," declared popular actress Svetlana Bojkovic at the rally, where crowds chanted, "No mining here," among other slogans.

Serbia's vast lithium reserves, primarily located near Loznica in the west, have sparked political debate due to environmental concerns. Discovered in 2004, the project, developed by the Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto, was halted in 2022 after weeks of mass protests. However, the Serbian government recently reversed its stance after a court ruling stated that the order to revoke Rio Tinto's permits was unconstitutional.

Following this ruling, the government approved the project's restart and signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union, marking the first step in harnessing Serbia's lithium resources. Lithium, essential for electric vehicle batteries, is critical for the automotive industry's shift towards greener production.

Despite its strategic importance, the project remains widely unpopular in Serbia. Many fear the mining operations could endanger public health and pollute vital water sources. "I'm in Belgrade because the survival of life in Serbia is at stake," said Slobodan Stanimirovic, a 58-year-old resident from Radjevina, near the proposed mine site.

This protest in Belgrade is the latest in a series of demonstrations across Serbia since the project's revival. Activists are urging lawmakers to pass legislation permanently banning lithium and boron mining in the country.

Reporting from the protest, Al Jazeera's Jelena Glusac noted that this demonstration attracted more participants than recent rallies, including those held after last year's mass shootings. "The lithium mine proposal seems to have mobilized more people than any other issue," Glusac observed.

Environmental groups have vowed to block major roads across Serbia and engage in civil disobedience if the government does not act by the August 10 deadline set by activists. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has repeatedly assured that no mining operations will commence without stringent environmental safety protocols in place.