MINEX Forum

Tag: Serbia

  • Rio Tinto CEO Seeks to Reassure Serbian Locals Amid Lithium Mining Controversy

    Rio Tinto CEO Seeks to Reassure Serbian Locals Amid Lithium Mining Controversy

    The CEO of Anglo-Australian miner Rio Tinto, Jakob Stausholm, aimed to ease concerns during his visit to Serbiaon Saturday regarding the company’s controversial lithium mining project. Serbia boasts significant lithium reserves near the western town of Loznica, but the project has faced ongoing political and environmental opposition.

    Stausholm met with local residents in Ljubovija alongside Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and promised to protect both the environment and the local population. “The biggest challenge for us is to win the trust of you who live here,” Stausholm said, emphasizing the company’s commitment to safety and environmental protection, including the safeguarding of water, soil, and natural habitats.

    President Vucic is on a five-day tour of the region where the mine would be located, engaging in discussions with local communities. He acknowledged the difficulty of the talks but expressed optimism for a productive dialogue.

    In July, Serbia’s top court overturned an earlier government decision that had halted the project following large-scale protests in 2021. This ruling reignited demonstrations across the country, with the largest in early August drawing tens of thousands to the streets of Belgrade, where key roads and train stations were blocked. Despite the ongoing unrest, the Serbian government signed a memorandum of understanding with the EU in July, marking the first step toward developing the country’s lithium resources.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project Faces Two-Year Permit Delay in Serbia

    Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project Faces Two-Year Permit Delay in Serbia

    Serbia’s Energy Minister, Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic, announced on Friday that it could take Rio Tinto up to two years to obtain the necessary permits to begin construction on its Jadar lithium project. This comes after Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto’s license last month, two years after the previous government halted the process following protests by environmental groups.

    Handanovic highlighted that the mining giant must secure approvals based on the project’s environmental impact studybefore moving forward. The Jadar project, located in western Serbia, is considered one of the largest lithium reserves in Europe, with 158 million tonnes, equating to 17% of the continent’s total lithium reserves.

    “If completed, the Jadar project could produce 58,000 tonnes of refined battery-grade lithium carbonate annually,” Handanovic said, noting that this would be sufficient to power one million electric vehicles and meet 90% of Europe’s current lithium demand. This would also position Rio Tinto among the top 10 global lithium producers.

    Despite the potential benefits, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has emphasized that no mining operations will commence until guarantees from the world’s top experts are secured. Vučić stated, “There will be no digging, no changes in the field, nor will there be. Until we get all the guarantees ourselves, nothing will happen in the next 12 to 18 months.”

    Last month, Serbia signed agreements with the European Union and Germany to provide EU members and key car manufacturers with exclusive access to Serbian lithium. These agreements followed a ruling by Serbia’s top court declaring the 2022 decision to revoke the Jadar project’s license unconstitutional.

    Despite these developments, thousands of Serbians have taken to the streets to protest the project, with another major demonstration planned for Saturday in Belgrade. Handanovic questioned the protesters’ motives, suggesting that their arguments are more focused on challenging the government rather than genuine environmental concerns. She added that the project would help Serbia tap into its mineral wealth, including copper, zinc, lead, gold, and lithium, and gain access to valuable technical expertise.

  • 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.

  • Serbia’s Energy Minister: Rio Tinto May Need Two Years to Start Jadar Lithium Project

    Serbia’s Energy Minister: Rio Tinto May Need Two Years to Start Jadar Lithium Project

    Serbia’s Energy Minister Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic announced on Friday that it could take Rio Tinto up to two years to obtain the necessary permits to begin construction on its Jadar lithium project. The project, which could become Europe’s largest lithium mine, recently had its license reinstated after being halted two years ago due to environmental protests.

    Handanovic emphasized the importance of securing approvals based on the project’s environmental impact study. She highlighted that the Jadar project is one of the largest certified reserves globally, with 158 million tonnes of lithium, accounting for 17% of Europe’s total reserves. The project, if completed, would produce 58,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually, enough to power one million electric vehicles and meet 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs. This would position Rio Tinto among the top 10 global lithium producers.

    Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić recently stated that lithium mining in the country would not proceed without guarantees from leading global experts. He stressed that no excavation would occur until all guarantees are secured, predicting no action in the next 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, Serbia signed agreements with the European Union and Germany granting exclusive access to Serbian lithium for EU members and major car manufacturers, following a court ruling that declared the previous revocation of the Jadar project’s license unconstitutional.

    Despite these developments, public opposition remains strong. Thousands protested last week against the Jadar project, with another major protest planned in Belgrade on Saturday. Handanovic questioned the motives behind the protests, suggesting they were more about opposing the government than genuine ecological concerns. She also noted that the project would enable Serbia to leverage its significant mineral resources, including copper, zinc, lead, gold, and lithium, by gaining access to advanced technical expertise.

  • Strickland Metals Discovers High-Grade Gold at Rogozna Project in Serbia

    Strickland Metals Discovers High-Grade Gold at Rogozna Project in Serbia

    Australian mining company Strickland Metals announced on Monday a significant discovery at its Rogozna project in southern Serbia. The company reported an 89.7-metre drill intercept grading 4 grams per tonne of gold. This finding comes from a depth of 244.5 metres in the first hole drilled by Strickland at the project’s 4.6 million-ounce-gold-equivalent Shanac deposit. Included in this result is a remarkable 24.1 metres at 10.5 grams per tonne of gold from 296.2 metres, according to a company statement.

    “These results from the first hole drilled by Strickland at Shanac this year are phenomenal! Not only did we discover the highest gold grades ever encountered at the Rogozna Project, but we also encountered extensive copper-gold mineralisation further down the hole,” stated Paul L’Herpiniere, managing director of Strickland.

    The 89.7-metre intercept marks the first time high-grade gold has been intersected in drilling at Shanac, one of four skarn-hosted gold and base metals deposits at the Rogozna project, the company added.

    In July, Strickland reported uncovering a strong, near-surface anomaly at the Obradov Potok target area at the Rogozna site. The 5.44-million-ounce gold equivalent Rogozna site is poised to potentially become one of the largest undeveloped gold deposits globally, according to Strickland.

    Earlier in April, the mining company revealed it had entered into a binding agreement with Ibaera Capital Fund’s subsidiary ISIHC for the acquisition of Betoota Holdings for $37 million (33.8 million euro). Betoota Holdings is the owner of Serbia’s Zlatna Reka Resources, which holds 100% of the Rogozna project, comprising four exploration licences.

  • Serbian President Demands German Guarantee for Environmental Protection in Lithium Mining

    Serbian President Demands German Guarantee for Environmental Protection in Lithium Mining

    “We will not open a lithium mine until the Germans guarantee that we will have clean rivers and mountains,” said Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, emphasizing the need for dialogue on utilizing this crucial strategic resource. The Serbian government suspended the regulation for the lithium mining area two years ago after massive protests against a mine in the Jadar Valley. At the time, Prime Minister Ana Brnabić stated, “We have ended the agreement with the Rio Tinto company in Serbia.”

    Four and a half years later, it appears that the agreement hasn’t completely ended. Brnabić now claims that “lithium opponents have slowed everything down,” adding that Serbia, by using lithium domestically for battery production instead of exporting it, could become a European leader for the next century. She criticized opponents, claiming their resistance aims to “destabilize Serbia.” Vučić argued that the ban on lithium mining was a “manipulative move by Western intelligence services to stop our development.”

    The Serbian lithium debate has become a geopolitical issue. The discussion reignited after the adoption of the European Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), which includes Serbian lithium. Vučić and European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič signed a pledge for strategic cooperation between Serbia and the EU regarding the CRMA act.

    Tilman Kuban, a German MP from the Christian Democratic Union Party (CDU/CSU), emphasized the importance of ensuring all project aspects are verified, viewing it as a significant opportunity for Serbia to support Europe. Vučić recently called on Germany to act as a judge in the case of lithium mining, despite numerous opinions from Serbian scientists and institutions like the Serbian Academy of Arts and Sciences (SANU) and the University of Belgrade.

    Germany’s role in the lithium issue in Serbia is not new. Petar Đurčić, a researcher at the Institute for European Studies, noted Germany’s interest in Serbian lithium since the topic first arose. During her farewell visit to Serbia in September 2021, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel acknowledged Germany’s interest in Serbian lithium, given its importance for battery development and future mobility, while also stressing the need for ecological standards.

    Despite the fluctuating relationship between the Serbian government and Germany, Kuban’s visit and statements could be significant, especially since the CDU has the highest approval ratings in Germany and may return to power in the next election. Đurčić explains that Kuban, supporting Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder as a chancellor candidate, represents a faction within the CDU.

  • 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.