Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Rio Tinto’s Not Having A Great Time In Serbia: Capital Erupts in Protest Over Controversial Lithium Mine

Tens of thousands of protesters flooded the streets of Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, on Saturday to voice their opposition to Rio Tinto‘s (ASX: RIO) proposed lithium mining project in Western Serbia. 

The demonstration, which began in July and saw participants chanting slogans like “You will not dig” and “Rio Tinto leave Serbia,” was sparked by the government’s recent decision to reinstate the mining giant’s license for what could become Europe’s largest lithium mine.

The $2.4 billion Jadar project, situated in the agriculturally rich Jadar Valley, has been a source of contention since its inception. While government officials argue that the mine would significantly boost Serbia’s economy and potentially cover 90% of Europe’s current lithium needs, environmentalists and local farmers fear irreversible damage to the region’s land and water resources.

The protest, which the Interior Ministry estimated to involve between 24,000 and 27,000 people, saw demonstrators taking over two main railway stations in Belgrade, with some lying on the tracks to obstruct operations. This action prompted warnings from Interior Minister Ivica Dacic, who stated that charges would be filed against those breaking the law.

The controversy surrounding the mine has taken on political dimensions, with government officials claiming the protests are aimed at undermining President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. Vucic himself alluded to information from Russia about a potential coup being planned in Serbia.

The resurgence of the Rio Tinto project comes just two years after it was initially halted due to environmental concerns. Its revival is partly linked to a recent agreement signed by Vucic, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and EU Energy Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, granting EU member states access to raw materials mined in Serbia, including lithium.


Information for this story was found via BBC, Reuters, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Goliath Resources Hits 10.60 g/t Gold Over 22.82 Metres, Highest Grade Results In Third Distinct Rock Package At Surebet Discovery

Four Countries Control the Fertilizer That Feeds the World | Sage Potash

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

Recommended

Nord Precious Metals Identifies 29 Veins At Castle East Following 3D Modeling

Emerita Resources Expands El Cura Drill Program By 10,000 Metres As Deposit Remains Open For Expansion

Related News

Kosovo-Serbia Conflict: The Budding War Ignited By Car License Plates

Kosovo closed its main border crossing with Serbia on Wednesday after demonstrators on the Serbian...

Thursday, December 29, 2022, 03:33:00 PM

Rio Tinto Explores Potential Bid for Teck Resources

Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO), the world’s second-largest mining company, is reportedly considering potential takeover bids...

Friday, July 12, 2024, 10:47:00 AM

Rio Tinto Increases Ownership In Western Copper and Gold To 9.7%

Western Copper and Gold (TSX: WRN) has secured further financial support from Rio Tinto, who...

Tuesday, November 28, 2023, 08:45:34 AM

Serbia Imposes Price Ceiling on Staple Grocery Items as Inflation Surges

Serbia has decided to impose price caps on staple grocery items, as global food inflation...

Thursday, December 2, 2021, 02:56:00 PM

Rio Tinto Expands Lithium Portfolio with $6.7 Billion Arcadium Acquisition

Rio Tinto Group, the world’s second-largest mining company, has announced its agreement to acquire Arcadium...

Wednesday, October 9, 2024, 03:12:00 PM