About 30,000 people took to the streets of Belgrade to protest the revival of Rio Tinto’s lithium mining plans in Serbia. Demonstrations followed the reinstatement of the company’s license last month. The public backlash echoes earlier opposition that halted the project two years ago.
License reinstated for Jadar Valley lithium mining
Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto’s license to mine lithium in the Jadar Valley, an area described as holding one of Europe’s largest lithium reserves. The Anglo-Australian consortium plans to develop a major lithium mine there. The decision has renewed a long-running dispute over how the project could affect the local environment.
Rio Tinto first identified substantial lithium deposits near Loznica in 2004. Environmentalists have argued that mining would damage the landscape, threaten local agriculture, and contaminate water sources. In 2020, Serbia approved an environmental impact assessment for the project, and protests later expanded in 2022.
EU-Serbia deal links Serbian lithium to battery supply chains
The renewed controversy has unfolded alongside a wider European policy push for critical raw materials. A recent EU-Serbia agreement granted European car manufacturers exclusive access to Serbian lithium. The deal was described as a historic development for both Serbia and Europe.
The project is also tied to efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese supplies for electric vehicle batteries. Supporters point to Europe’s need for “white gold” used in battery production, while opponents have focused on transparency and environmental risks. Public anger in 2022 extended beyond environmental groups, with some residents citing concerns about how mining rights were granted to a foreign corporation.
Court ruling reverses earlier permit withdrawal
Serbia previously responded to public pressure by withdrawing exploration licenses and announcing an end to Rio Tinto’s activities in Serbia. That earlier move was later challenged in court. Last month, a court ruling declared the revocation of the permits unconstitutional, enabling the project’s restart.
Soon after the court decision, Serbia signed a memorandum of understanding with the EU on a strategic partnership covering sustainable raw materials, battery production, and electric vehicles. President Aleksandar Vučić said he would protect the environment and residents of Jadar Valley. Opposition parties and protest groups continued to express skepticism about government intentions regarding local environmental impacts.
Political dispute and regional reactions
Tensions escalated further when Vučić called a government crisis meeting after alleging that Russian security services warned him of a potential coup. Government officials said the protests were politically motivated attempts to overthrow the president. Police intervened to disperse demonstrators who were blocking railway stations in Belgrade.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz defended the Jadar project, citing its relevance for Europe’s economic security and lithium self-sufficiency. He argued that proceeding with the mine was necessary for European sovereignty amid global change. Questions have also been raised about EU focus on Serbian lithium, including references to Germany’s own lithium reserves and public resistance within the EU, including in Portugal.