Massive Protests Erupt in Belgrade Against Lithium Mine

Massive protests erupted in Belgrade against the reopening of a controversial lithium mine by Rio Tinto, drawing tens of thousands of participants. Environmental activists fear the project will cause severe pollution to land and water in Serbia's Jadar region. The Serbian government, which recently reinstated Rio Tinto's license after it was previously revoked, views the project as essential for economic development and aligning with EU green energy goals. Protesters argue that the mine will endanger public health and have given the government a deadline to halt lithium exploration, threatening to escalate actions if demands are not met. President Aleksandar Vučić has dismissed the protests as politically motivated, alleging foreign influence and coup attempts, while demonstrators insist their objections are purely ecological.