Latest News

Ratings in central Serbia rally against Rio Tinto's lithium job

Hundreds of people collected in the central Serbian town of Valjevo on Monday to demonstration Rio Tinto's, lithium job in Western Serbia, over fears it might contaminate the land.

Protesters in the central square of the industrial city, which has a population of 55,000, and lies about 100 km ( 60 miles) west of Belgrade, chanted, You will not dig, and Rio Tinto, leave Serbia!

We will not allow it; we will fight as much as we can, stated Sonja, 50, a local of Valjevo.

Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta, one of the demonstration organizers, said that the misery called lithium is continuing.

Serbia will not go quiet over this problem. This is non-negotiable, he stated.

On Aug. 10, 10s of thousands rallied in the capital, Belgrade. Authorities said the protests were politically determined and aimed at toppling populist President Aleksandar Vucic and his federal government.

In Valjevo, protesters also demanded an end to what they view as a government clampdown on green activists.

Given that the Aug. 10 rally, cops have questioned and searched the apartment or condos of over 40 green activists, generally on suspicion of conspiring against the nation's constitution, stated activist Aleksandra Bulatovic.

She was also questioned for her criticism of the lithium project.

This is unconstitutional; they (authorities) are abusing the law. This is pure repression, she stated. Bulatovic denied any misdeed.

Last month, Belgrade renewed Rio Tinto's license to establish what would be Europe's biggest lithium mine, two years after the previous federal government halted the procedure following mass rallies by environmental groups.

If implemented, the $2.4 billion Jadar lithium task could cover 90% of Europe's current lithium requirements and make Rio Tinto among the world's leading lithium producers.

Lithium is a crucial element in batteries for electrical lorries and mobile devices.

Serbian officials argue that the lithium mine would enhance Balkan country's economy, however environmentalists alert that the expense would be too expensive.

(source: Reuters)