Local communities in Bosnia and Serbia have protested mining plans amid environmental concerns, with accusations that authorities are working with mining companies to exploit natural resources, particularly lithium. Protesters say the alleged cooperation suppresses dissent and affects legislation. The disputes center on projects that supporters link to supply for electric vehicle batteries in the EU.
In early September, police in Lopare, in northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, summoned Dragana Ristic, an administrator of the Facebook group “Say No to the Lithium Mine in Lopare,” for questioning. Ristic had shared a post containing a photo of a poorly parked car associated with the Swiss mining company Arcore. Arcore had announced a significant lithium discovery in the area about a year earlier, and local opposition has intensified as elections approach.
Police questioning linked to online post about Arcore
Ristic said she did not create the post, which included sarcastic commentary about a female geologist from Arcore. She stated she traced the content to a fake Facebook account. Although she was questioned as a witness, her lawyer Milanko Tosic said he believes the case has no legal basis and will not proceed further.
The Lopare dispute is tied to concerns raised by residents about potential environmental impacts, especially on local water sources. Authorities in Republika Srpska, one of Bosnia’s two entities, have amended laws intended to facilitate mining operations. Residents’ objections have continued alongside preparations for mining activity.
Lopare lithium project: open-pit plans and local water worries
The controversy began after Arcore announced significant lithium reserves in late 2023. In March, a company representative said the mine could generate €1 billion annually and create thousands of jobs. The claim was presented as aligning with the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, which aims to increase domestic production of essential minerals.
Lopare’s mayor said most residents oppose the project due to fears of toxic leaks. Reports of dried-up wells after exploratory drilling have also been cited by local officials as a factor behind public concern. Arcore plans to use open-pit mining methods, which environmentalists argue are harmful, while the company says operations will be tightly regulated.
Serbia protests around Rio Tinto project and contamination claims
The situation in Bosnia is described as mirroring disputes in Serbia over lithium mining. Protests against a major lithium mine operated by Rio Tinto have been largely dismissed by the Serbian government. The project has received significant support from Germany, according to reporting on its role in the electric vehicle supply chain.
In Lukavac, Cvetko Jovanovic said water contamination led to health issues after a nearby drilling operation stopped. He linked those effects to activities associated with the broader mining context. The mining company Euro Lithium & Borates denies responsibility, while municipal authorities have acknowledged contamination in nearby wells.
Calls for oversight as communities cite transparency gaps
In Bosnia, officials describe mining projects as important for economic development, including promises of job creation and tax revenue. Local councillor Sergej Milanovic said residents want institutional oversight and pointed to past contamination incidents connected to mining activities. He emphasized monitoring capacity as a key issue for communities near proposed operations.
Across both countries, local communities have expressed frustration about what they describe as inadequate governmental support and limited transparency around mining operations. Activists say local rights and environmental protections should be respected as lithium extraction expands across the region.