Rio Tinto Lithium protest

Tens of thousands protested in central Belgrade against Rio Tinto's planned lithium mining project, citing fears of environmental pollution affecting farmland and water. The Serbian government, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, has reinstated the mining license, claiming it will boost the economy, while protesters argue that the project threatens agricultural land and is politically motivated. Leaders of the protest called for civil disobedience by blocking train stations, emphasizing that their actions are not politically driven despite the government's claims of a coup conspiracy related to the protests. The $2.4 billion project could meet 90% of Europe's lithium needs, crucial for electric vehicle batteries, but environmentalists warn of significant ecological costs. On July 19, a deal was signed with EU officials to facilitate access to Serbia's raw materials for lithium production, aiming to reduce reliance on imports. The protests highlight the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental preservation in Serbia.