Mass Protests in Belgrade Against Rio Tinto’s Lithium Project

Thousands rallied in Belgrade against Rio Tinto’s lithium project, fearing environmental damage. Protesters demanded the halting of the mine set for Western Serbia, which aims to meet 90% of Europe's lithium needs. Government officials argue the protests are politically motivated and of economic significance.

Tens of thousands of people gathered in central Belgrade on Saturday demanding a halt to Rio Tinto's lithium project in Western Serbia over fears it could pollute nearby land and water. Protesters packed the streets leading to Terazije square, waving Serbian flags and chanting slogans like 'You will not dig,' and 'Rio Tinto leave Serbia.'

Government officials claimed that the protests were politically motivated, intended to topple President Aleksandar Vucic and his administration. Zlatko Kokanovic, a protest leader and farmer from the Jadar region, urged demonstrators to block two major train stations in Belgrade.

Last month, Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto's license to develop what would be Europe's largest lithium mine, two years after suspending it over environmental concerns. The renewed approval sparked nationwide protests. Protesters issued a deadline for the government to ban lithium exploration and exploitation, which expired on Saturday.

'We are not going to give up. The mine cannot be built on agricultural land,' said Mica Miliovanovic, a 63-year-old worker. 'This does not have anything to do with politics.' On Friday, Vucic revealed that Russian intelligence had warned of an impending coup in Serbia.

'We have reason to be cautious,' Vice Premier Aleksandar Vulin told Tanjug news agency on Saturday. The $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project could meet 90% of Europe's current lithium needs and elevate Rio Tinto to a leading global lithium producer if it's executed.

Lithium, essential for EV batteries and mobile devices, is seen by government officials as a potential boost for Serbia's economy. However, environmentalists argue that the ecological cost would be too great.

On July 19, Vucic, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU Energy Commissioner Maros Sefcovic signed a deal allowing EU member states' producers access to raw materials mined in Serbia, including lithium. The agreement aims to decrease the EU's reliance on imports from America and Asia.

(With inputs from agencies.)