Thousands of people in Serbia gathered in various towns to express their opposition to a lithium excavation project that the government recently agreed to with the European Union. Protests were held simultaneously in towns such as Savac, Kraljevo, Arandjelovac, Ljig, and Barajevo, following similar gatherings in the past weeks. The deal reached earlier this month aimed at securing “critical raw materials” that could decrease Europe’s reliance on China and potentially bring Serbia closer to the EU. However, environmentalists and opposition groups in Serbia have strongly critiqued the deal, citing potential irreversible harm to the environment with minimal benefits to Serbian citizens.
The largest lithium reserve in Serbia is located in a valley abundant in fertile land and water. The multinational company Rio Tinto initiated an exploration project in the area a few years ago, which led to significant opposition and the suspension of the project. Despite this, Serbia’s constitutional court recently overturned the government’s decision to cancel the $2.4 billion mining project, allowing for its potential revival. President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that excavation work will not commence until 2028, and stringent environmental guarantees will need to be obtained before any digging activity is permitted. There has been talk among government officials of possibly holding a referendum on the issue, indicating the contentious nature of the lithium excavation project in Serbia.
The decision to allow the lithium excavation has sparked widespread public outcry, with protesters in Belgrade and other areas blocking major roads and bridges in 2021. Critics fear the environmental impact of the project on the valley’s fertile land and water supply, which are crucial resources for local communities. Environmentalists argue that irreversible damage to the ecosystem could outweigh any potential economic benefits the project may bring. The opposition’s concerns are compounded by the fact that Serbia has close ties to Russia and China, raising questions about the country’s commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The outcry against the lithium excavation project reflects a broader debate in Serbia about balancing economic development with environmental protection. The government’s decision to prioritize the mining project has faced backlash from various sections of society, highlighting the challenges of navigating between competing interests. While the deal with the EU could provide economic opportunities for Serbia and reduce Europe’s reliance on China for critical raw materials, it has raised questions about the cost to the environment and local communities. As the government moves forward with the project, it faces the challenge of addressing environmental concerns while ensuring economic growth and international partnerships.
Despite President Vučić’s assurances that excavation work will not begin until 2028 and the government’s commitment to obtaining environmental guarantees, the opposition remains skeptical about the potential impacts of the project. Environmentalists and concerned citizens continue to voice their objections to the lithium excavation, underscoring the importance of protecting Serbia’s natural resources and ensuring sustainable development. As the debate over the project intensifies, the government will need to strike a balance between economic interests and environmental preservation, taking into account the long-term consequences of lithium mining in Serbia. Only time will tell how this contentious issue will ultimately be resolved and what implications it will have for Serbia’s future development and relations with the EU.
