MINEX Forum

Tag: environmental protests

  • Lithium Mining Plans Resurface in Serbia Amid EU Interest

    Lithium Mining Plans Resurface in Serbia Amid EU Interest

    Serbia’s lithium mining plans, previously shelved in 2022 following widespread protests, have re-emerged. Despite Prime Minister Ana Brnabić’s earlier announcement that the controversial Rio Tinto-backed Jadar project was terminated, recent reports suggest the multinational company continues preparatory activities. These include land acquisitions and community sponsorships in the Loznica region, raising concerns about resumed extraction efforts.

    Germany and the EU, prioritizing lithium for energy needs, seem willing to collaborate with Serbia’s right-wing government, led by Aleksandar Vučić, despite ongoing allegations of authoritarianism. While Vučić views lithium mining as a missed economic opportunity, Green Party representatives in parliament have demanded stricter protections for affected communities. The revival of mining plans risks undermining public trust in the EU accession process, given the perceived double standards regarding environmental and democratic values.

  • Serbia Faces Controversy Over Europe’s Largest Lithium Project

    Serbia Faces Controversy Over Europe’s Largest Lithium Project

    The Serbian government is pushing forward with plans for what could become Europe’s largest lithium and boron extraction project, led by the multinational company Rio Tinto. Officials, including the president, have been actively working to secure the investment, even resorting to tactics aimed at discrediting critics. However, the project has faced widespread public resistance, fueled by environmental concerns and allegations of political corruption. For months, protests have erupted across the country, with a core group of rural residents leading the charge. These individuals, who may face property expropriation, are determined to oppose the mine and its potential impacts on their communities and the environment.

  • Serbia’s National Assembly Rejects Opposition’s Lithium Mining Ban Amid Protests

    Serbia’s National Assembly Rejects Opposition’s Lithium Mining Ban Amid Protests

    The National Assembly of Serbia has voted against amendments to the Law on Mining and Geological Explorations that would ban the exploration, mining, and processing of lithium and boron ores, with 127 votes against and 84 in favor. The rejected bill, submitted by 86 opposition lawmakers, was aimed at halting Rio Tinto’s Jadar project in western Serbia, which has sparked widespread controversy and environmental protests.

    Environmental activists and opposition figures have raised serious concerns about the environmental and health impacts of the project, particularly in the agricultural region surrounding the city of Loznica, where Rio Tinto plans to extract lithium and boron. The opposition argued that the project would not be financially beneficial for Serbia, citing low mining royalties and the cost of government-subsidized infrastructure for the project.

    The vote marks the first time the opposition officially presented its case in parliament. The Ecological Uprising movement, led by Danijela Nestorović, clarified that their proposed ban was limited to lithium and boron mining, despite claims by National Assembly Speaker Ana Brnabić that the law would halt all geological exploration projects.

    Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović countered the opposition’s arguments, stating that much of the agricultural land affected by the project is of low quality and that the government would manage mineral resources responsibly, maintaining high environmental and social standards. She emphasized that the demand for critical raw materials is growing, and Serbia must leverage its resources strategically.

    Local activists and groups like Ne damo Jadar, part of the Association of Environmental Organizations of Serbia (SEOS), were outraged by the decision, claiming it is a declaration of war on the people. These organizations have been leading protests and warning of severe environmental damage to the Jadar valley.

    Meanwhile, Rio Tinto has estimated that the project would generate EUR 180 million per year for Serbia in taxes and royalties. However, prominent Serbian economists have disputed these figures, suggesting the nation’s income would be negligible, especially when factoring in infrastructure costs.

  • Serbian Parliament Debates Ban on Lithium Mining Amid Rio Tinto Controversy

    Serbian Parliament Debates Ban on Lithium Mining Amid Rio Tinto Controversy

    On Monday, Serbia’s parliament began discussing an opposition-led proposal to ban lithium and borate mining, a move that would halt Rio Tinto’s contentious $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project in the western region of the country. The debate comes after Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto’s mining licence in July, two years after it was previously revoked following strong opposition from environmental groups.

    The reinstatement of the licence sparked nationwide protests, with demonstrators blocking roads and railways in protest of the potential environmental impact. If completed, the Jadar project could satisfy 90% of Europe’s lithium demand, solidifying Rio Tinto’s position as a leading global lithium producer. Lithium is an essential material in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices.

    While the Serbian government argues that the mine will greatly benefit the country’s economy, environmental groups are concerned about the potential damage to land and water caused by industrial waste. The project, which may not begin until 2028, will undergo strict environmental reviews and public consultations, according to Rio Tinto.

    Serbia’s Minister for Mining and Energy, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, emphasized that the government would ensure Rio Tinto adheres to stringent international environmental standards. She warned that banning lithium mining could result in lost investments, jobs, and hinder Serbia’s plans to become a hub for electric vehicle and battery production.

    Opposing the project, Danijela Nestorovic, a member of the Ecological Uprising movement, called the proposed mining activities a grave environmental risk, asserting that Serbia’s future would not be endangered without lithium extraction.

    Despite the heated debate, the ruling coalition has a comfortable majority in parliament and has already signaled it will not support the opposition’s proposal. A vote is expected in the coming days, with environmental groups threatening further protests if the ban is blocked.

  • Serbia Faces Escalating Protests Over Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Mine Project

    Serbia Faces Escalating Protests Over Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Mine Project

    Mining giant Rio Tinto is facing increasing opposition in Serbia over its proposed Jadar Lithium Project, which has sparked widespread protests due to concerns about environmental pollution and public health risks. The project, located near Loznica, aims to produce large quantities of lithium carbonate, boric acid, and sodium sulphate to meet 90% of Europe’s lithium needs.

    The protests, spearheaded by farmer Zlatko Kokanovic and supported by thousands of demonstrators, have been fueled by fears that the mine would release harmful substances like arsenic and sulphuric acid, contaminating the land and air. Kokanovic has warned that the mine would devastate the region, describing it as a threat to Serbia’s health and environment in exchange for Europe’s lithium supply.

    Additionally, cultural heritage sites such as the Paulje Necropolis and the Church of St George the Great Martyr are located near the project, raising further concerns among local communities. Protesters have vowed to resist the mine’s construction, with some prepared to take radical action to protect their homes and land.

    A recent scientific study revealed elevated levels of boron, arsenic, and lithium in nearby rivers, indicating the environmental impact of Rio Tinto’s exploration efforts. Protesters across Serbia have declared their determination to block the project, citing the environmental damage as outweighing any potential economic benefits.

  • Protests Erupt in Belgrade Against Controversial Lithium Mine Reboot

    Protests Erupt in Belgrade Against Controversial Lithium Mine Reboot

    Thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belgrade on Saturday, rallying against the controversial lithium mineproject set to become a key component in Europe’s green energy transition. Demonstrators chanted slogans like “Rio Tinto get out of Serbia” and “You won’t dig” as they marched through the city, with some protesters blocking tracks at the main railway station, disrupting traffic.

    The Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto is developing the lithium mine near the western Serbian city of Loznica. This project has been a persistent political issue in Serbia due to concerns about its potential environmental impacts. Discovered in 2004, the mine’s development was halted in 2022 following mass protests. However, the government revived the project after a court ruling last month deemed the decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permits unconstitutional.

    Serbia’s government recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the European Union, marking the initial step toward developing the country’s lithium resources. Lithium is a critical metal for electric vehicle batteries, essential for the shift towards greener automotive production. Despite this, the project remains deeply unpopular due to fears of water pollution and public health risks.

    Protesters, including 58-year-old Slobodan Stanimirovic from Radjevina near the mine’s location, have voiced their concerns, stating that the protest is about defending life in Serbia. This latest protest is part of a broader series of demonstrations across the country following the reinstatement of the mine’s licenses. Activists are urging lawmakers to enact a permanent ban on lithium and boron mining in Serbia. Environmental groups have warned of further civil disobedience and traffic blockades if the government does not respond by the 10 August deadline. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has assured the public that no mining will proceed without stringent environmental safety guarantees.

  • Thousands Protest in Serbia Against Rio Tinto’s Controversial Lithium Mining Project

    Thousands Protest in Serbia Against Rio Tinto’s Controversial Lithium Mining Project

    In a significant display of public dissent, thousands of protesters rallied on Monday in Sabac, Serbia, voicing strong opposition to the proposed Rio Tinto lithium project. The project, located in Serbia’s lush western region of Jadar, aims to extract lithium—a critical material essential for the batteries used in electric vehicles and mobile devices. Despite its importance, the project has sparked widespread concern among environmental activists and local residents, who fear it could cause irreparable environmental damage.

    The demonstrations in Sabac, a city situated about 50 kilometers northeast of the proposed mine site, were part of a broader wave of protests sweeping across the country. Activists, including Biljana Stepanovic from the Proglas (Proclamation) rights organization, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation over technological advancement. “We cannot live without clean air and water, but we can live without lithium batteries and electric cars,” Stepanovic proclaimed, echoing the sentiments of many who attended the rally.

    The opposition to the Jadar project is not new. Last week, similar protests were held in several towns across Serbia, and the movement is expected to continue growing. On the same day as the Sabac rally, protests were also organized in three other towns in central Serbia. Demonstrators are demanding the cancellation of the project, citing concerns over air and water quality and the broader ecological impact.

    Earlier this month, the Serbian government reinstated Rio Tinto’s license to develop what could become Europe’s largest lithium mine, reversing a decision made over two years ago following intense protests by environmental groups. This decision has reignited public outcry, with many questioning the motives behind the government’s reversal. On July 19, a significant development occurred when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU energy chief Maros Sefcovic signed an agreement regarding access to raw materials mined in Serbia. Despite reassurances from Scholz that the project would proceed only if it meets EU environmental standards, skepticism remains high among the public.

    In response to growing concerns, President Vucic announced that a referendum on the project’s future would be organized by the end of 2025. However, at the Sabac rally, protesters expressed deep distrust in these assurances, with one protester, Sinisa Todorovic, a 52-year-old salesman, stating, “With this project, there will be no future… This means death for the people.” Various green groups have issued a stern warning that they will escalate their actions, potentially blocking major railroads and junctions in August if the government does not halt the project.

    The controversy surrounding the Rio Tinto lithium project highlights the tension between economic development and environmental preservation, a debate that is increasingly coming to the forefront in global discussions about sustainable practices and climate change.

  • Protests Erupt in Serbia After Court Reinstates Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Permit

    Protests Erupt in Serbia After Court Reinstates Rio Tinto’s Lithium Mine Permit

    Protests erupted in Serbia following a ruling by the constitutional court that overturned a 2022 government decision to revoke Rio Tinto’s permit for a $2.4 billion lithium mine, deeming the annulment unconstitutional and unlawful. This decision aligns with the government’s preparation to grant Rio Tinto new approval to develop Europe’s largest lithium mine, a project previously halted due to extensive environmental protests.

    The court found that the government decree terminating the spatial plan for Rio Tinto’s Jadar lithium mine and processing plant in Loznica was inconsistent with the constitution and the law. This ruling, issued on July 11, permits Rio Tinto to continue with its controversial project pending government approval. Rio Tinto has welcomed the decision, expressing optimism about advancing the Jadar lithium project, which is expected to become a significant source of lithium carbonate—vital for batteries used in mobile phones and electric vehicles.

    Serbia’s finance minister, Sinisa Mali, highlighted lithium’s potential economic impact, suggesting it could contribute up to 16% of the GDP and create approximately 20,000 jobs, comparing it to the significance of oil. However, opposition figure Dragan Djilas criticized this comparison, pointing out that countries with oil typically extract it in remote areas, with the state often owning the resources, unlike the situation with Rio Tinto.

    The court’s decision has led to widespread discontent, with over a thousand protestors gathering outside the court on July 11, blocking a major street in central Belgrade despite extreme heat. Savo Manojlovic from Kreni-promeni, a key figure in the 2021 and 2022 protests, accused the court of timing its decision to align with authorities’ renewed support for the project. Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic denied any coordination or political interference with the court.

    Earlier this year, opponents submitted a petition with over 38,000 signatures seeking a nationwide ban on lithium and boron mining, but the National Assembly of Serbia did not address it. The government has indicated its intention to proceed with the project, risking further protests and potential political instability reminiscent of the mass protests in 2021.

    Kreni-promeni, which recently gained seats in municipal parliaments, continues to advocate against the Jadar project. Svetlana Ceca Bojkovic, an actress and activist, expressed her dissatisfaction, stating that the court’s decision was expected but emphasized the ongoing fight against the project.

    The Constitutional Court clarified that its ruling does not reinstate the 2020 spatial plan, leaving the final decision on the project’s future to the Serbian government under constitutional and legal guidelines.