David Zarković, a 63-year-old beekeeper, faces a swarm of angry bees as he lifts the cover from one of his many hives on a hillside overlooking the Jadar Valley in western Serbia. One of the bees stings him in the cheek, which he humorously refers to as a “bee kiss.”
Zarković is deeply concerned about plans to develop one of Europe’s largest lithium mines in this picturesque valley. He worries that pollution from the mine could contaminate local water sources, which bees rely on. “If the river gets polluted from the mine, the bees, which drink from it, will die. This could destroy 10,000 bee communities essential for pollinating local crops, causing a catastrophic ripple effect,” he explains.
The push towards electric vehicles, which are crucial for reducing carbon emissions, depends heavily on lithium—a mineral that is both scarce and in high demand. However, mining and processing lithium can significantly impact local environments. Residents of Jadar Valley are mobilizing to protect their land, leading to a growing national protest against the mine. Beneath the valley, salty mineral deposits give the local drinking water a distinctive taste.
In recent decades, scientists identified a new mineral in the region called jadarite, rich in lithium and boron. After the Balkan wars, British-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto began exploring the area, uncovering one of Europe’s largest lithium deposits. The mine could potentially satisfy up to 90% of Europe’s lithium needs, presenting a significant opportunity for both Europe’s green transition and for Rio Tinto’s profitability. Yet, the environmental risks associated with mining are substantial.
Recent exploratory drilling by Rio Tinto has raised alarms. A study published last month found elevated levels of boron, arsenic, and lithium in nearby rivers, with claims that the mine could exacerbate pollution through tailings ponds, wastewater, noise, and other forms of contamination, threatening local communities and ecosystems.
Officials advocate for economic and environmental balance
Serbia’s government, however, sees the mine as a significant economic boon. Dubravka Djedović Handanović, Serbia’s mining and energy minister, asserts that the project will adhere to stringent European Union environmental standards, despite Serbia’s non-EU status. She emphasizes the economic benefits, including the potential creation of around 20,000 jobs and a projected 16% boost to Serbia’s GDP from the mine’s development and associated industries.
Protests and political tensions intensify
Public opposition to the mine has been fierce. Since June, widespread protests have erupted across Serbia, especially in Belgrade, following a court ruling that allowed the government to approve the project. These protests are a continuation of a larger movement that previously led to the revocation of Rio Tinto’s license two years ago.
Jelena Isevski, a protester, argues against the mine, criticizing the perceived exploitation and questioning the political motivations behind the project. She points out that while Serbia seeks EU membership, lithium is also available in other EU countries like France. Critics argue that Serbia, a country with limited means to resist, should not bear the brunt of this mining endeavor, especially given Rio Tinto’s controversial history.
Rio Tinto’s commitment to transparency and environmental review
Rio Tinto’s manager for Serbia operations, Chad Blewitt, insists that the company is committed to transparency and has learned from past mistakes. He highlights Rio Tinto’s efforts in community engagement and willingness to conduct independent environmental reviews to address concerns. Despite Rio Tinto’s checkered past, including a recent $15 million settlement with the SEC for bribery, Blewitt maintains that the Jadar project is the most extensively studied lithium project in Europe, with over $600 million invested to ensure safety.
Back in the Jadar Valley, Zarković and his neighbors remain skeptical. They question how they can trust Rio Tinto’s promises, given the company’s history and the high stakes involved in protecting their environment and livelihoods.
