Massive Protest in Serbia Against Lithium Mine for EV Batteries

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched through Belgrade, Serbia on Saturday to protest the proposed opening of a major lithium mine. The project, backed by mining giant Rio Tinto, could become one of Europe’s largest sources of lithium – a crucial material for electric vehicle batteries. According to POLITICO, the protest drew around 30,000 people and ended with protesters blocking two train stations.

Environmental Concerns vs. Economic Opportunity

Environmental activists fear the mine will pollute land and water in Serbia’s western Jadar region where the lithium deposit is located. However, the project represents a significant economic opportunity as demand for lithium surges due to the growth of the electric vehicle industry.

The Rio Tinto project has received official backing from the European Union. Last month, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič signed deals granting EU automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis exclusive access to Serbian lithium.

Escalating Tensions

The scale of Saturday’s protest prompted Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to call an emergency government meeting early Sunday morning. Government officials characterized the demonstrations as politically motivated, claiming they were an attempt to overthrow the president and his administration.

Adding to the tension, Vučić stated on Friday that Russian security services had warned him of a planned “coup d’état” against his leadership.

Ongoing Opposition

Saturday’s march was the latest in a series of protests against the mine. As one protester stated, “We’ve organized nearly 50 protests since June trying to convince the government to stop this project and ban lithium exploitation.”

EVXL’s Take

The controversy surrounding the Serbian lithium mine highlights the complex challenges facing the EV industry as it rapidly scales up. While securing raw material supplies is crucial for meeting ambitious EV production targets, the environmental and social impacts of mining operations cannot be ignored. As we’ve previously reported, Tesla and other automakers are increasingly focusing on sustainable and ethical sourcing practices. The situation in Serbia underscores the need for close collaboration between industry, governments, and local communities to ensure that the EV transition delivers benefits without unacceptable costs.

Photo courtesy of Balkan Insight.