Serbia: Protests Against Lithium Mining Multiply
The government has ordered the creation of a panel of experts to analyze the potential impact of future mines on human health and the environment
Tensions in Serbia continue to rise after the signing of a memorandum with Germany to start mining lithium, which will be used to produce batteries for electric cars. The weekend in Belgrade promises to be particularly busy. The president of the association opposing the lithium mining project “Don’t give up Jadar,” Zlatko Kokanovic, called on Belgrade residents and all citizens of Serbia to take part in the protest planned for Saturday, August 10, in the capital. Kokanovic told the Beta news agency that the demonstration in Belgrade is “not only about the opening of the lithium mine in the Jadar River valley,” but the aim is “to prevent foreign companies from opening mines in the entire territory of Serbia.” The statements refer to a memorandum of understanding on lithium production, signed on July 19 by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
Protest marches have been held in 28 Serbian cities in recent days, and, according to announcements, they will be held in 19 more cities in the country by Saturday. According to Serbian environmentalists, the government is “trying to politicize” the whole issue: “We are not planning any uprising. We will start on Saturday, and on Sunday we will expand to other points across Serbia, which will lead to a chain reaction and a domino effect,” Kokanovic said.
Serbia has strategic deposits of lithium and will be able to produce 58,000 thousand tons per year. In total, this quantity is considered sufficient to supply batteries for 1.1 million electric vehicles. That means, Serbia alone will be able to support about 17% of the European electric vehicle market.
Meanwhile, to calm Serbian public opinion, Health Minister Zlatibor Loncar announced the creation of a group of health experts who will analyze the possible impact of lithium mining on the health of the country’s citizens. As the minister explained, “the team will include the head of the hygiene department, which deals with environmental pollution, epidemiologists, and many other scientists and doctors with vast experience.”
