Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets of Belgrade to rally against the rebooting of a controversial lithium mine project in Serbia, developed by mining giant Rio Tinto. The project, aimed at serving as a vital power source in Europe’s green energy transition, has faced opposition due to fears of water pollution and public health risks.
The rally, attended by popular figures like actor Svetlana Bojkovic, saw chants of “There will be no mining” as protesters voiced their concerns over the environmental impacts of the project. The lithium deposits near Loznica have been a contentious issue in Serbia, with mass protests leading to a halt in the project in 2022, only for the government to greenlight its restart following a recent court decision.
Despite the strategic importance of lithium for electric vehicle batteries, many in Serbia remain opposed to the project, citing concerns about water pollution and public health risks. Activists and demonstrators have called for a permanent ban on mining lithium and boron in the country, with threats of civil disobedience if the government fails to act by an August deadline.
President Aleksandar Vucic has reassured the public that no mining operations will begin without established environmental safety protocols. The protest in Belgrade marks the latest in a series of demonstrations against the controversial lithium mine project, reflecting the growing public discontent over its potential impacts on the environment and public health.
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