Serbia reignites lithium debate as German chancellor visits
The Serbian government reinstated on Tuesday the possibility of lithium exploitation in the western part of the country. Fifty-five percent of Serbian citizens oppose opening a mine in the country. On Friday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will arrive in Belgrade, and local media reported that one of the main topics of discussion will be extracting this raw material.
Most respondents expressed opposition to the plans to exploit lithium deposits even in the event of receiving guarantees regarding environmental protection. In response to the question, "Would you support the opening of a mine if Serbia received guarantees from Germany and the European Union that all environmental protection standards will be adhered to?" More than 52 percent of respondents answered no. Only under 34 per cent of those surveyed supported metal extraction under these conditions.
The director of New Serbian Political Thought, Djordje Vukadinović, recalled that the government tried to gain the support of undecided citizens through an intensive campaign but did not achieve significant success. Only eight percent of citizens changed their negative attitude when receiving guarantees regarding environmental protection, noted Vukadinović.
He added that the opening of the mine is mainly supported by supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, "who will support everything that (President) Aleksandar Vučić says".
- Opponents are politically scattered and represent all social categories - he pointed out.
President Vučić announced on Wednesday that the EU and Serbia will sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday in Belgrade regarding a strategic partnership for sustainable raw materials.
The German Chancellor Scholz, who is interested in lithium, will arrive, as will representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Italian Development Bank and Mercedes-Benz - the Serbian president said on RTS television.
He emphasized that Serbia will not allow the export of large quantities of lithium: A maximum of 13 percent will be allowed; the rest must be used for production in Serbia.
His office confirmed the visit of the German chancellor on Wednesday. The meeting will officially concern "bilateral, international, and European political issues". However, it is no secret that the future of Serbia's lithium deposits will be the central point of the programme - wrote the Serbian weekly "Vreme".
The Weekly explained that Germany, the largest car manufacturer in the European Union, is very interested in obtaining lithium, especially in Europe, to reduce dependence on China.
The government has declared war on its own people
The Serbian government reinstated on Tuesday the possibility of lithium exploitation in the western part of the country. In response to legal changes enabling the opening of the mine, part of the Serbian opposition called on citizens to stage massive protests. - The government has declared war on its people. Therefore, we invite all citizens to prepare for widespread mobilisation - said MP and environmental activist Aleksandar Jovanović Ćuta.
Lithium and its compounds are used, among other things, to produce glass and heat-resistant ceramics, durable alloys used in aviation, lithium cells, and lithium-ion batteries.
Geologists estimate that the largest deposits of this raw material in Europe may be found in the Jadar Valley in Serbia. Researchers from the Economist Intelligence Unit noted that lithium extraction could be extraordinarily profitable for Serbia.
The country has one per cent of the world's known metal resources. The analysts emphasised that the estimated value of Serbian lithium is £3.4 billion, and its extraction over ten years could provide hundreds of jobs and a steady stream of income for the government.
