A massive protest in Serbia against a proposed lithium-mining project has sparked a government crisis, forcing President Aleksandar Vučić to convene an emergency meeting early on Sunday. The protest, which saw tens of thousands of demonstrators march through Belgrade on Saturday, centered around the potential development of one of Europe’s largest lithium mines. The project, spearheaded by the Australian-British mining consortium Rio Tinto, aims to secure crucial lithium supplies for the production of electric car batteries.
Approximately 30,000 individuals took to the streets, expressing their deep concerns about the potential environmental ramifications of the mine, situated in Serbia’s western Jadar region. Environmental activists are deeply worried that the project could lead to widespread pollution of land and water resources. Since June, protesters have organized nearly 50 demonstrations, urging the Serbian government to halt the project entirely and prohibit any further geological exploration.
Saturday’s protest culminated in the blockage of two train stations, an action deemed illegal by Serbian authorities. Government officials have labeled the protests as politically motivated, claiming they are part of a scheme to weaken the president and his administration. President Vučić, who has publicly stated that Russian security services warned him of a possible coup attempt, faces mounting pressure over the lithium mining issue.
The project has received official support from the European Union, with recent agreements granting exclusive access to Serbian lithium resources to EU car manufacturers, including Germany’s Mercedes-Benz and the Franco-Italian group Stellantis. This backing has further fueled the controversy surrounding the project.
