A government U-turn in Serbia has reignited protests over a controversial lithium mining project led by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto. The project, known as the Jadar mining project, had faced opposition from the public, leading to its initial halt in 2022. However, a recent constitutional court ruling deemed the government’s withdrawal of approval for the project unlawful, prompting its resumption. This decision coincided with the signing of a cooperation agreement with the EU on critical raw materials supply, sparking further concerns among environmental activists in the country.
Despite assurances from European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz at a summit in Serbia that environmental standards would be a priority for the project, local environmental groups remain unconvinced. These groups fear that the mining project could result in significant damage to ecosystems and waterways in the Jadar Valley, leading to a call for a mass protest in Belgrade to urge the government to address citizens’ concerns by August 10th. The EU has denied claims by opposition groups that the project would provide little benefit to Serbian citizens, emphasizing the importance of adhering to strict environmental standards.
With Europe’s transition to renewable energy requiring the use of critical raw materials like lithium for batteries in electric vehicles, there is a delicate balance between the environmental impact of mining and the necessity for these resources. As a candidate country for EU membership, Serbia is expected to align its legislation with European regulations, ensuring stringent environmental protections are in place. The EU sees the partnership with Serbia as an opportunity to deepen economic integration and create job opportunities in industries like battery and car manufacturing.
Rio Tinto, the company behind the Jadar mining project, has faced accusations of spreading disinformation and engaging in political tactics to move the project forward. However, the company maintains that it has made environmental impact assessments and information materials publicly available to address concerns. Despite the government’s decision to allow the project to proceed, Rio Tinto will still need to navigate legal, environmental, and permitting procedures, along with public consultations, which could delay the project for years before any lithium extraction begins.
The resurgence of protests in Serbia reflects the ongoing debate over the environmental impact of mining critical raw materials, such as lithium, for renewable energy technologies. As the EU emphasizes the importance of socially and environmentally responsible mining, Serbia faces the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental protection. The outcome of the Jadar mining project will not only impact Serbia’s alignment with EU standards but also determine the country’s approach to sustainable resource extraction and its role in the global transition to cleaner energy sources.
