Thousands of protesters in Serbia rallied against a lithium excavation project signed by the government with the European Union. Protests were held in several towns simultaneously, with critics arguing that the project would cause irreversible damage to the environment and bring minimal benefits to the citizens. The deal, concerning “critical raw materials,” aims to reduce Europe’s dependency on China and potentially bring Serbia closer to the EU. The biggest lithium reserve in Serbia is located in a valley rich in fertile land and water, leading to concerns about the impact of mining in the area.
The multinational company Rio Tinto had started an exploration project in the region, sparking massive opposition and forcing the project to be suspended. The recent decision from Serbia’s constitutional court to overturn the government’s cancellation of the $2.4 billion mining project has reignited protests. President Aleksandar Vučić has announced that excavation will not begin before 2028 and that environmental guarantees will be sought before any digging takes place. Some government officials have even suggested a referendum on the issue could be held.
The controversy surrounding the lithium excavation project has divided Serbian citizens, with environmentalists and opposition groups strongly opposing the deal. Despite the government’s assurances of seeking environmental guarantees, protesters continue to voice their concerns about the potential impact of the mining project on Serbia’s environment and agricultural land.
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