MINEX Forum

Tag: environmental protest

  • Protest in Berlin Against Lithium Mining in Serbia Highlights German Industry’s Double Standards

    Protest in Berlin Against Lithium Mining in Serbia Highlights German Industry’s Double Standards

    A protest against lithium mining in Serbia took place in Berlin, drawing attention to the perceived double standards of the German industry. The demonstration, held in front of the Futurium building near Berlin’s main train station, was organized by people from the former Yugoslavia and environmental activists from across the globe. Protesters aimed to highlight the contrast between Germany’s advocacy for ecologically sustainable production at home and its support for lithium extraction in Serbia, which they argue harms the environment.

    Around several dozen demonstrators attended the event, including members of the Serbian community in Berlin and left-wing activists. They voiced dissatisfaction with the policies of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, particularly his support for Rio Tinto and their controversial mining projects in Serbia.

    One of the protest organizers, Krunoslav Stojakovic, stated that the protest was strategically held in front of the Futurium, where the German Association of Industrialists was hosting a congress on the environmental development of industry. He criticized the German industry for promoting sustainable practices at home while supporting environmentally damaging lithium exploitation abroad.

    The protest attracted citizens from Serbia and other former Yugoslav republics living in Berlin, who are concerned about the potential environmental and water supply issues that lithium mining could cause in Serbia. They also pointed to the negative impacts of similar mining projects in other countries.

  • Eko Straža Protests Against Lithium Mining Arrests in Serbia

    Eko Straža Protests Against Lithium Mining Arrests in Serbia

    The environmentalist group Eko Straža held a protest outside Serbia’s public broadcaster RTS in response to the arrests and criminal charges against several dozen activists opposing the exploration and mining of lithium and boron ores. Activists, many of whom participated in nationwide protests, demand a ban on lithium mining. Over the past two and a half months, as many as 60 activists have been apprehended, with the largest arrests occurring on August 17, according to Nina Ciganović from Eko Straža.

    Some activists face serious charges, including inciting ethnic and religious hatred and calling for violent constitutional change. In addition, many have experienced property fires, sudden tax inspections, and threats on social media. Arrests were reported across towns and villages where protests occurred, involving various environmental initiatives and opposition parties such as Kreni-promeni, Serbia Center – SRCE, and others.

    Tensions have escalated over the Jadar lithium mining project since Rio Tinto resumed its campaign to open a disputed mine, prompting more protests. Earlier this year, Serbia’s government had banned the project but has now reinstated itafter the Constitutional Court reversed its earlier decision. In response, Eko Straža is demanding prime-time coverage on RTS to raise awareness about the arrests and their impact on activists.

    During the rally, Bojan Simišić, founder of Eko Straža, accused the government of fabricating criminal charges and stressed that “everyone has the right to a healthy environment” as per the constitution. Simišić urged all citizens to become eco-activists to help preserve Serbia’s environment.

  • Environmental Activists to Rally Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Project in Serbia

    Environmental Activists to Rally Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Project in Serbia

    Environmental activists and opposition groups are set to gather in the center of Serbia’s capital on Saturday, demanding a halt to the Rio Tinto Group’s $2.4 billion project to open Europe’s biggest lithium mine. The ongoing controversy highlights the significant challenges of developing new mines in Europe, especially as governments strive to secure supplies of critical minerals like lithium, essential for the energy transition. For Rio Tinto, the world’s second-largest miner, the Serbian mine is a key project aimed at reducing its dependence on iron-ore.

    The project was initially halted in 2022 following widespread protests by environmental activists concerned about the potential heavy pollution from mining and processing the metal, which is vital for battery production. However, Serbia’s top court lifted the ban last month, reigniting opposition. The upcoming rally follows a series of small protests across the country, with growing anger towards President Aleksandar Vucic for his strong support of the project.

    The Vucic administration has promoted the project as a significant economic opportunity, with Finance Minister Sinisa Mali suggesting that lithium mining—if combined with local battery and electric vehicle production—could boost Serbia’s economic output by as much as €12 billion annually. Recently, Serbian and EU officials signed an agreement to secure critical raw materials across the bloc, with lithium being a central focus. Additionally, Mercedes Benz chief Ola Kaellenius and representatives from Stellantis carmaker have expressed interest in investing in developing EV batteryproduction in the region.

    Despite these assurances, activists remain unconvinced, rejecting the government’s claims that the mine will adhere to strict environmental standards.

  • Activists Demand Serbia Halt Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mining Project

    Activists Demand Serbia Halt Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mining Project

    In western Serbia, a strong movement against Rio Tinto’s jadarite mining project near Loznica is demanding a ban on the exploration and mining of lithium and boron. Activists warned that if the Government of Serbia does not comply, they will radicalize their resistance through railway blockades. The protests have attracted participants from Jadar, Loznica, and various cities in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly those from areas with existing or planned mining projects. The event was organized by the local group Ne damo Jadar along with Marš sa Drine, Suvoborska greda, and other associations under the Association of Environmental Organizations of Serbia (SEOS).

    Marijana Petković, representing Ne damo Jadar, highlighted that activists found evidence of toxic exploration drilling fluid being disposed of at the city landfill. On July 1, the government will receive a formal demand to ban lithium and boron exploration and mining nationwide. The movement has vowed to start blockades on railroads and other key points if the demand is not met within 40 days. This follows a 2022 petition with over 38,000 signatures, which the National Assembly ignored despite being legally obliged to discuss it.

    Professor Ljiljana Tomović from the University of Belgrade emphasized that stopping the exploitation of jadarite is crucial to prevent damage to the flora, fauna, habitats, and ecosystems in the Jadar Valley. Similarly, Professor Slobodan Vukosavić from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade warned of the risk of wastewater contamination from the mine affecting the Mačva area. He stressed the importance of water amid climate change and suggested future conflicts would be over water, not lithium.

    Activists from Bosnia and Herzegovina, facing similar mining threats, joined the protest in Loznica. Adi Selman from Karton revolucija spoke passionately about protecting the Gornje Nedeljice, Loznica, the Drina and Sava rivers, and other threatened areas. Dragan Simović, a farmer from Srednja Dobrinja, highlighted the adverse effects of mining in other regions like Bor and Majdanpek and urged for intensified protests and a ban on mining.