Environmental activists and opposition groups are set to gather in Serbia’s capital on Saturday, protesting against Rio Tinto Group’s $2.4 billion plans to develop Europe’s largest lithium mine.
The project, seen as crucial for securing lithium supplies needed for the global energy transition, faces significant opposition due to environmental concerns.
The mine, which had been halted in 2022 after widespread protests, was recently cleared to resume by Serbia’s top court.
Despite the government’s promotion of the project as a major economic booster, with potential to add €12 billion annually if combined with local battery and EV production, activists remain unconvinced.
They argue that the environmental risks outweigh the benefits and dismiss government assurances of strict environmental standards.
President Aleksandar Vucic’s strong support for the project has also fueled discontent, leading to multiple smaller protests across the country.
Last month, Serbian and EU officials signed an agreement focused on securing supplies of critical raw materials, including lithium, further intensifying the debate.
