In Serbia’s Jadar valley, the controversial plans for lithium mining by Rio Tinto, a global mining giant, have sparked fierce opposition from locals and environmental groups. The area is crucial for Serbia’s water supply, with nearly 2.5 million people depending on its groundwater, which opponents fear could be contaminated by mining operations. The project is part of the European Union’s broader strategy to secure resources for the green transition, yet critics argue that it comes at a severe human and environmental cost.
Serbians have been protesting Rio Tinto’s mining project for years, citing concerns over displacement, pollution and the long-term impacts on public health. The company has faced significant pushback, especially after it sued the Serbian government for blocking the project, citing an investor-state dispute settlement clause in a free trade agreement between Serbia and the UK. Despite these challenges, in 2024, Serbia’s Supreme Court granted Rio Tinto a permit to proceed, just days after the EU signed an agreement with Serbia for future lithium supply, highlighting the region’s growing importance in Europe’s push toward electric vehicle production.
Opponents, including economist Aleksandar Matković, argue that the project will not benefit Serbia’s citizens but will instead turn the country into a resource extraction hub for foreign corporations. The protests have also been met with increased authoritarian tactics by the Serbian government, including threats and surveillance of activists, further escalating tensions.
The push for lithium mining in Serbia is emblematic of broader issues surrounding the global demand for critical minerals necessary for the green transition. While the EU seeks to secure materials for electric vehicle batteries, the process often involves harmful environmental practices and human rights violations. Matković and other activists call for a shift in focus toward more sustainable solutions, such as investing in public transportation, rather than continuing to prioritize corporate profits.
