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Thousands protest proposed lithium mining project in Serbia despite alleged coup plot
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Belgrade on Saturday to rally against a proposed lithium mining project in the Jadar valley, with President Aleksander Vucic claiming he had been warned by Russian intelligence of a potential coup. The large crowd chanted slogans against the mining project and some even blocked train traffic in protest.
The plan to allow lithium mining in the lush valley was initially scrapped in 2022 after widespread demonstrations, but was recently revived as part of a deal with the European Union on critical raw materials. The government sees the project as an economic opportunity, but critics fear it will lead to irreparable environmental damage.
Locals in the Jadar valley, where the multinational Rio Tinto mining company plans to operate the mine, are strongly opposed to the project. Despite assurances from both the Serbian company and the mining company about maintaining high environmental standards, residents remain adamant in their refusal to allow the mine to proceed.
The protests against the lithium mining project have posed a major challenge to Vucic and his administration, with demonstrators calling for a ban on all lithium and boron mining in the country. The large turnout at the rallies signifies a growing discontent with the government’s policies and a desire to protect the environment.
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Photo credit www.euronews.com
