Protests against Rio Tinto’s Jadar Lithium Project in Serbia

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Loznica, Serbia, to oppose Rio Tinto planned lithium project, fearing environmental damage. The protest followed the Serbian ruling coalition’s rejection of a law banning lithium mining and exploration. Protesters, waving flags and banners reading „You Shall Not Dig,” and “ „Back Away From Jadar”, announced plans for road blockades this weekend to escalate their opposition.

The protest leader Zlatko Kokanovic has stated: „We are preparing warning road blockades in several locations across the country this weekend”.
The project, which could meet 90% of Europe’s lithium needs, was halted in 2022 (the Serbian government revoked licenses for Rio Tinto’s $2.4 billion Jadar lithium project) after mass protests. Activists argue the mine threatens local land and water, while Serbian officials claim it will boost the economy, with mining potentially starting by 2028.