Thousands across Serbia protest lithium mine restart

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🗞️ Driving the news: Thousands protested across Serbia on July 29 against the restart of a controversial lithium mining project by Rio Tinto
• The project, located near Loznica, has been a contentious issue, with demonstrators concerned about environmental and public health impacts

🔭 The context: Serbia's vast lithium deposits have drawn significant interest, particularly after a recent agreement with the EU to develop battery materials
• The mine was initially halted in 2022 due to protests but has recently been given the green light to resume operations following a court ruling

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The lithium mine is key to Europe's green transition, supplying crucial materials for batteries
• However, concerns about pollution and environmental degradation pose significant challenges to sustainable development

⏭️ What's next: Continued protests are likely as local opposition remains strong
• The situation underscores the tension between economic interests and environmental concerns in global resource development

💬 One quote: "There is no antidote to the pollution caused by the mine," said chemistry professor Karolina Aleksandrovic, highlighting the environmental risks

📈 One stat: Three of the marches against the lithium mining project in Serbia attracted at least 1,000 participants each

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