29 Jul 2024 | 10:39 AM UTC
Serbia: Environmentalist activists will likely continue to protest Jadar mining project in urban centers nationwide as of July 29
Environmental plan protests in urban centers in Serbia July 29-30; further protests likely in coming days. Increased security likely.
Environmental groups and political parties, including the People's Movement of Serbia, plan to protest in multiple urban centers in Serbia on July 29 and 30 to denounce a proposed lithium mining project in the Jadar Valley near Loznica. The following actions are confirmed:
July 29: Activists plan to protest from 19:00 in Kraljevo, Sabac, Arandjelovac, and Ljig.
July 30: Activists plan to protest in Kosjeric and Mladenovac.
Protests have recently occurred in Loznica, Novi Sad, and Preljina. Further protests denouncing the mine and the company involved in the project, Rio Tinto, are likely in urban centers nationwide in the coming days.
An increased police presence is likely near any protests. Protesters in smaller urban centers, including Loznica, have blocked national highways for several hours as part of their protest. Localized disruptions are likely in the vicinity of related demonstrations. Violence is not anticipated; however, police could move to disperse protests deemed to be unlawfully obstructing traffic.
Avoid all protests as a standard precaution and to mitigate related disruptions. Allow extra time for travel near demonstration sites.
Protests denouncing the Jadar Valley project resumed in Serbia following the government's July 19 decision to reinstate a spatial plan for a lithium mine and processing plant. The government moved to reinstate the plan after the Constitutional Court ruled that the decision to abandon the plan amid public protests was improper. Activists claim that the mine and other construction projects will cause unacceptable pollution, damage the health of the local population, and damage historical and cultural sites. If the mining project proceeds, further protests will likely occur. Activists could attempt to disrupt construction activity and hold demonstrations targeting sites and facilities associated with the project or Rio Tinto.
