MINEX Forum

Tag: environmental activism

  • Mass Protests Erupt in Serbia Against Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project

    Mass Protests Erupt in Serbia Against Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project

    Several thousand people gathered in the city of Loznica, western Serbia, to protest Rio Tinto’s controversial Jadar lithium and boron mining project. Organized by the activist group Ne damo Jadar, the demonstration marks the latest in a series of public pushbacks that began in 2021 and may soon expand to neighboring cities, including Valjevo and Šabac.

    Marijana Petković of Ne damo Jadar accused Serbian authorities of illegally greenlighting new infrastructure for the mining and processing site, located in the village of Gornje Nedeljice. Activists say the approval of a 110 kV transformer station is just the beginning, warning that Rio Tinto could soon receive an exploitation permit — a move that would grant it mining priority over the rare jadarite deposit.

    Protesters also targeted local media for alleged bias. A Lotel TV station building in Loznica was spray-painted and labeled with a sign reading “disturbing content,” reflecting anger over the broadcaster’s failure to report on the opposition or show conditions in the affected villages.

    “Not a single opponent of the Jadar project was ever invited to speak on their channel,” said activist Nebojša Petković, pointing out that major international outlets, including those from France, Italy, Sweden, and Japan, have covered the issue more fairly.

    Further protests are scheduled, with Valjevo hosting the next on July 24. Šabac is also expected to join, forming what Petković called a “Serbian Bermuda triangle” of resistance, with hopes that the movement will gain national traction.

    Despite fierce local resistance, the European Commission granted the Jadar project strategic status in early June, a move seen by opponents as undermining democratic accountability and environmental protections.

    In a related development across the Drina river, citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Republic of Srpska are also resisting a lithium project near Majevica mountain, where a recent vote to designate the area a protected natural park failed in parliament.

    Both Serbian and Bosnian activists are calling for a blanket moratorium on exploration and exploitation permits across the region.

  • Protests Erupt in Valjevo Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Project Amid Environmental Concerns

    Protests Erupt in Valjevo Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Project Amid Environmental Concerns

    Hundreds of protesters gathered in the central Serbian town of Valjevo on Monday to voice their opposition to Rio Tinto’s lithium project in Western Serbia, citing fears of potential environmental pollution. The demonstration took place in the town’s central square, with residents chanting, “You will not dig,” and “Rio Tinto, leave Serbia!” Valjevo, an industrial city with a population of 55,000, is located about 100 km (60 miles) west of Belgrade.

    Sonja, a 50-year-old resident of Valjevo, expressed the community’s determination, stating, “We will not allow it; we will fight as much as we can.” Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta, one of the protest organizers, echoed this sentiment, warning that the “agony called lithium is continuing” and affirming that “Serbia will not go quiet over this issue. This is non-negotiable.”

    The protest follows a larger demonstration on August 10, when tens of thousands rallied in Belgrade. Authorities have dismissed these protests as politically motivated, aimed at destabilizing the government of populist President Aleksandar Vucic. In Valjevo, protesters also demanded an end to what they describe as a government crackdown on green activists. Activist Aleksandra Bulatovic reported that, since the August 10 rally, police have interrogated and searched the homes of over 40 environmental activists, accusing them of conspiring against the country’s constitution. Bulatovic, who was also questioned, criticized the authorities, saying, “This is unconstitutional; they are abusing the law. This is pure repression.”

    The controversy intensified last month when Belgrade reinstated Rio Tinto’s license to develop what would be Europe’s largest lithium mine, after halting the project two years ago due to widespread environmental protests. The $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project could potentially supply 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs, positioning Rio Tinto as a leading global producer of this essential component used in batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices. While Serbian officials argue that the mine could significantly boost the country’s economy, environmentalists warn of the high environmental costs.

  • Women Lead Fight Against Copper Mine Pollution in Eastern Serbia

    Women Lead Fight Against Copper Mine Pollution in Eastern Serbia

    In a stirring display of resilience and determination, nearly two dozen women from various walks of life in eastern Serbia have emerged as the frontline defenders in a battle against environmental degradation caused by a nearby copper mine. These women, representing multiple generations and diverse professions including nursing, teaching, and homemaking, are rallying together to demand the relocation of their village, citing the severe pollution of land and water attributed to the operations of China’s Zijin Mining.

    Since January, as the male residents of the village continue their daily routines, these women have taken shifts guarding a barricade on a bridge in Krivelj, determined to obstruct the passage of trucks entering the mine premises. The mine, operated by Zijin’s subsidiary, Serbia Zijin Copper, has faced mounting scrutiny due to its environmental impact, prompting commitments from the company to address the concerns and facilitate the relocation of the affected community.

    In a recent development, Zijin has agreed to halt the transit of large trucks through the village, a concession welcomed by residents who temporarily lifted the blockade to allow necessary work to proceed. Despite the company’s efforts to relocate some villagers, the majority of the population, primarily Vlachs, Orthodox Christians deeply rooted in their heritage, remain steadfast in their demand to relocate as a unified community.

    Zijin has expressed its commitment to transparent and equitable relocation plans, engaging with all stakeholders involved in the process. Local authorities are optimistic about completing the relocation by the end of 2025, aiming to safeguard the well-being of the villagers and restore the integrity of their environment. Amidst the turmoil, sentiments of sorrow and determination resonate among the villagers, epitomized by Stana Jorgovanovic, a 79-year-old homemaker who reflects on the emotional toll of leaving behind her cherished village.

    In a poignant gesture of solidarity and resilience, fifteen of these women have chosen to share their stories and aspirations for the future through portraits captured in familiar settings that evoke a sense of safety and defiance. Whether standing on the village hillsides, within their homes, or at the barricade itself, these women embody a collective spirit of defiance against environmental injustice, determined to protect their families and advocate for their rights.

  • Serbian Women Stage Blockade to Protest Encroaching Mine

    Serbian Women Stage Blockade to Protest Encroaching Mine

    In a small village in eastern Serbia, a group of women has mounted a blockade on a bridge, protesting against an open-pit copper mine that they argue is polluting their land and water. Led by 78-year-old Vukosava Radivojevic, these women take shifts day and night, determined to halt trucks from entering the mine operated by a subsidiary of China’s Zijin Mining.

    The mine, which dominates the village of Krivelj, has triggered concerns among residents about incessant noise, tremors, and pollution. While Zijin has relocated some villagers, those who remain, mostly Vlachs, seek to move collectively, citing environmental degradation and health risks.

    Despite assurances from Zijin’s subsidiary, Serbia Zijin Copper, about addressing environmental issues inherited from previous operators, residents remain adamant about the adverse effects of mining activities. Since Zijin took over operations in 2018, production has quadrupled, exacerbating pollution concerns and causing visible environmental damage.

    The blockade, established in January, has become a symbol of the community’s resistance. For the women involved, it has evolved into a communal space, equipped with heating and amenities, where they find solidarity and support. Their persistence has yielded some concessions, with Zijin agreeing to halt large truck traffic through the village.

    However, the battle is far from over as residents continue to advocate for their relocation to a safer environment. Discussions revolve around establishing a new village while preserving essential community institutions.

    According to a study commissioned by Zijin, published in December, Krivelj’s environment is heavily polluted with lead, arsenic, and cadmium, posing significant health risks. Despite the company’s investments in mitigating environmental impact, concerns persist among villagers regarding their safety and well-being.

  • Montenegrin Government Grants Ultimatum to Swiss Company Over Brskovo Zinc Mine Project

    Montenegrin Government Grants Ultimatum to Swiss Company Over Brskovo Zinc Mine Project

    In a significant development concerning the Brskovo Zinc Mine project located in Mojkovac, Montenegro, the Montenegrin government has issued a 60-day ultimatum to Tara Resources, a Swiss company, to rectify all deficiencies associated with the project. Emphasizing the urgency of the situation, the government has suggested that mutual termination of the contract would be the most favorable resolution for both parties involved.

    The Brskovo Zinc Mine, situated approximately 100 kilometers north of the capital, Podgorica, has been a focal point of contention, drawing strong opposition from environmental activists and local residents. Originally operational from 1975 to 1991, the mine’s proposed restart has reignited concerns, particularly regarding environmental impact and safety measures.

    Minister of Energy and Mining, Saša Mujovic, underscored the gravity of the situation, citing systemic irregularities that pose significant challenges to addressing future safety concerns, particularly regarding tailings disposal and mercury separation. Mujovic expressed skepticism regarding the feasibility of rectifying these issues effectively, highlighting potential risks to public health.

    The government’s proposal for mutual termination of the contract reflects the seriousness of the situation and the need for decisive action. Tara Resources, which took over the project in 2018, had ambitious plans to develop Brskovo into one of Europe’s largest zinc mines, with an estimated investment value of approximately 180 million euros.

    However, opposition from civic initiatives such as “Za zdravi Mojkovac” (For a Healthy Mojkovac) underscores widespread concerns regarding the environmental and health implications of the project. The initiative has repeatedly urged the government to terminate the contract, equating the potential consequences of the mine to a catastrophe akin to the Chernobyl disaster.

  • Polish Coal Mine Near Czech Border to Continue Operating Amid Legal Uncertainty

    Polish Coal Mine Near Czech Border to Continue Operating Amid Legal Uncertainty

    A Polish coal mine situated near the Czech border has received temporary reprieve and will continue its operations for the time being, as per a report by the state news agency PAP on Wednesday. This decision follows a series of contradictory court rulings that have left the mine’s fate uncertain.

    Under the previous nationalist Law and Justice (PiS) government, efforts led by environmental activists to close the Turow mine were staunchly resisted. The mine, which supplies lignite to a nearby power plant contributing to 8% of Poland’s energy, has been a focal point of contention.

    According to PAP’s report, a recent court ruling overturned a decision from 2022 that permitted the mine to continue operating. However, the court refrained from passing judgment on policy matters, allowing the mine to remain operational despite the ruling.

    The primary case concerning the Turow mine is still pending in a Warsaw administrative court, which will decide on a government directive issued in February 2023. This directive granted permission for Turow to continue its mining activities until 2044.

    The court’s statement, as cited by PAP, clarified that the ruling pertaining to environmental concerns does not immediately halt the mine’s operations, and it did not evaluate the state’s energy policy.

    Environmental organizations have long criticized the environmental impact of the Turow open-pit mine and have filed multiple lawsuits aimed at ceasing its activities.

    In response to the latest developments, the state-controlled utility PGE unit, which owns the Turow mine and the adjacent power plant, stated that it is awaiting the written justification of the court’s decision and is assessing its next steps in this ongoing legal battle.

    The current government, elected in October, has expressed its commitm