Protests in Belgrade: Citizens demand stopping the harmful lithium mining

Protests in Belgrade: Citizens demand stopping the harmful lithium mining

massive protests against lithium mining in Serbia

in Belgrade recently gathered tens of thousands of people to demonstrate against the planned lithium promotion in the Western Serbian Jadar Valley. Environmentalists and citizens criticize the dangers that the dismantling for nature and quality of life in the region could bring.

environmental concerns in focus

The reduction of lithium is considered deeply harmful to the environment. Critics particularly warn of the possible contamination of the groundwater by heavy metals, which could be significant risks to supply the drinking water. The raw material is of central importance for the production of electric cars, an industry that should grow strongly in the future.

protest actions and blockages

The demonstrators, some of which were estimated over 24,000 to 27,000, gathered in the central square of the capital under the motto "There will be no mines". In addition to the rally, some protesters went one step further and blocked the rails at two train stations to disturb train traffic. The authorities initially showed reluctance to these actions, with Interior Minister Ivica Dacic describing the blockages as serious violation of public order.

important raw material in the Jadar Valley

The Jadar Valley is one of the largest lithium deposits in Europe and plays an important role in the global supply chain for electric vehicles. In July of this year, the Serbian government gave the green light for lithium funding after previously imposed on pressure from the environmental movement for a two-year break. The Serbian government has agreed with the EU to ensure that a promising project for the environmentally friendly promotion of lithium in the region is to be realized.

international interests and the geostrategic dimension

The Australian mining company Rio Tinto has been interested in this project for years. The project is not only assessed by environmental politics, but is also part of a strategy to reduce the dependence of Europe on lithium deliveries from China. China has a dominant role in the global lithium market, which increases the geopolitical dimension of these protests.

call for mobilization

In the days after the large demonstration, further actions are planned, such as traffic blocks in different cities. The leaders of the protests call the citizens to mobilize themselves against the environmentally harmful practices and to stand up for a sustainable future. Actress Jelena Stupljanin aptly formulated it: "Real patriotism is the struggle for clean air, clean land and water, which nourishes all of us."

The persistent protests illustrate the growing concern about the effects of raw material loss on the environment and health and reflect a wider trend in the region in which the voices of citizens are increasingly heard.