Lithium mining protest

On August 10, tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade to oppose the Serbian government's plan to allow lithium mining, citing environmental concerns over potential pollution of land and water. Despite warnings from President Aleksandar Vucic of a coup plot orchestrated by Western powers, the demonstrators maintained that their rally was focused solely on ecological issues. The mining project, previously scrapped in 2022 after large protests, was revived following a tentative agreement with the European Union aimed at securing critical raw materials. Protesters chanted slogans like 'There Will Be No Mining' and demanded an end to the Anglo-Australian company's involvement, expressing fears about the impact on the fertile Jadar valley. While the government promotes the mine as a means of economic development, critics argue it poses significant environmental risks. The local opposition continues to challenge the government's decision, highlighting the tensions between environmental protection and economic interests.