Serbian Farmers Lead Protests Against Rio Tinto's Lithium Mine Project
Serbian farmers spearhead nationwide protests against Rio Tinto's proposed lithium mine, citing environmental concerns. The government faces pressure to ban lithium exploration as the EU seeks to secure raw material access.
In western Serbia, a group of farmers has ignited a nationwide movement against the development of Europe's largest lithium mine. Zlatko Kokanovic, a 48-year-old farmer from Gornje Nedeljice, along with his neighbors, is at the forefront of protests aimed at halting Rio Tinto's $2.4 billion Jadar project.
The controversy began last month when Serbia reinstated Rio Tinto's license for the mine, reversing a decision made two years ago following environmental protests. This move has reignited concerns among local communities about potential pollution and health risks associated with lithium extraction.
Lithium, discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson, has become a critical component in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and mobile devices. Serbia possesses the largest lithium reserves in Europe, making it a prime target for mining operations. However, the environmental impact of lithium mining, including water depletion and pollution, has raised significant concerns among local populations.
Kokanovic, who manages 30 hectares of land and produces up to 100,000 liters of milk annually, warns of the potential dangers posed by the mining process. He emphasizes the use of hazardous substances like arsenic and sulfuric acid in lithium processing, as well as the risk of dust pollution.
"(The mine) would be the destruction of Serbia at the expense of our health to free the European Union from reliance on China (for lithium), so (the EU) can have healthy lives and their children can breathe healthy air."
The protests have spread to dozens of cities across Serbia, with demonstrators demanding legislation to ban lithium exploration by August 10, 2024. However, the Serbian government, viewing the project as crucial for economic growth, has shown reluctance to consider this demand.
It's worth noting that Serbia, while not a member of the European Union, is a candidate country. This status places it in a unique position regarding environmental regulations, which are typically stricter within the EU. The situation is further complicated by a recent deal signed on July 19, 2024, between Serbia, Germany, and the EU, granting EU producers access to raw materials mined in Serbia, including lithium.
The global context of this dispute is significant. The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050, driving up demand for lithium. Currently, China dominates the global lithium supply chain, and the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act seeks to secure alternative sources for materials like lithium. The Jadar project, if implemented, could potentially cover 90% of Europe's current lithium needs.
Despite Rio Tinto's assurances in June 2024 that environmental studies show the project would be safe for local communities, protesters remain unconvinced. Marijana Petkovic, another local resident, expressed the community's determination to protect their homes, land, and heritage, even if it means physically blocking mining machinery.
As the debate continues, the Serbian health ministry has formed a commission to study the impact of lithium mining on human health. Meanwhile, protesters in cities like Kragujevac continue to voice their opposition, emphasizing that environmental protection should take precedence over economic benefits.
The outcome of this conflict remains uncertain, but it highlights the growing tension between economic development, environmental conservation, and public health concerns in the face of increasing global demand for critical raw materials.
