Demonstrators gathered in western Serbia to oppose a lithium mining project near Loznica. The effort is led by the Anglo-Australian company Rio Tinto. Protesters included opposition politicians and environmental groups, according to accounts of the rally.
The proposed mine site is described as a potential source of environmental harm. Concerns raised by demonstrators include possible contamination of groundwater and impacts on air and soil. The project is also linked by protesters to risks of water quality deterioration for nearby communities.
Environmental concerns raised by protesters
Organizers and activists said the project could cause significant environmental damage if it proceeds. They cited fears of water contamination and soil degradation associated with lithium extraction activities. Protesters also argued that local communities could be deprived of clean drinking water.
Environmental groups at the demonstration called attention to what they described as widespread ecological harm. Their demands included stopping the project, citing insufficient safeguards against environmental damage. The rally reflected a dispute over how environmental risks should be managed.
Government position and expected lithium output
Serbia’s government, led by President Aleksandar Vučić, views the project as an economic opportunity. The mine is expected to produce 58,000 tonnes of lithium annually. Supporters say this output could supply a significant portion of Europe’s electric vehicle production.
The project is presented as tied to major investment and employment expectations. Demonstrators referenced “billions of euros” and “thousands of jobs” as factors driving the government’s interest in the initiative. They also pointed to the claim that the mine could help secure Serbia’s position in emerging energy markets.
Public distrust and calls for termination
Protesters said there is widespread distrust among the Serbian public toward both the government and Rio Tinto. They cited concerns about transparency and safety related to the project. The rally included calls for a final termination of the mining plan.
Demonstrators linked their opposition to what they described as a lack of adequate safeguards against environmental damage. The dispute centered on whether protections would be sufficient before any restart or continuation of operations. The protest atmosphere reflected disagreement over risk management for the proposed mine near Loznica.
Timeline from discovery to halted project and potential restart
Lithium deposits near Loznica were discovered in 2004, according to the timeline cited by organizers. Public outcry later contributed to a government halt on the project in 2022. After that pause, protests resurfaced in connection with statements about future developments.
The recent surge followed Vučić’s comments about potentially restarting the project by 2028, alongside new guarantees from Rio Tinto. Protesters framed these developments as a reason to renew opposition at the local level. The demonstration therefore aligned with both earlier public concerns and more recent political signals.
Walk from Belgrade to Loznica and stated resistance goals
A smaller group of around thirty activists walked from Belgrade to Loznica as part of the protest activities. The march was presented as symbolic resistance against the mining plan. It was carried out alongside larger demonstrations involving thousands of people.
The resistance movement described its position as prioritizing environmental protection over economic development. Protesters’ stated aim was consistent across activities, including demands for ending the project near Loznica. The event highlighted tensions between resource extraction plans and environmental concerns in Serbia.