Serbia: Activists block Novi Sad junction as protests against Rio Tinto mining company continue

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Hundreds of environmentalists blocked one of the main intersections in Novi Sad on Monday, in protest against Rio Tinto’s planned mining project.

Demonstrators holding up banners and chanting in protest of the government said they were disappointed with the general situation in Serbia but especially with the situation of the mining project.

Demonstrations continue after the Serbian president announced that, although Rio Tinto’s project had been put on hold, it will not be shut down.

Environmental organisations announced that they will block roads in small towns and villages throughout Serbia until the president changes his decision.

“I expect that with all these more often and bigger protests force authorities to think about their withdrawal from Rio Tinto project and hopefully, there will be more and more people protesting, especially now, when elections are close,” said a protester.

After the blockade, protesters marched through the streets of Novi Sad, chanting slogans against Rio Tinto.

The protest comes amid months of demonstrations against Rio Tinto’s plans to extract lithium in the fertile Jadar Valley.

The metal, used to produce batteries for electric vehicles, is a key resource for the global transition to green energy. The planned project is also seen as an important source of future employment in Serbia.

However amid concerns over potential harm to local biodiversity, and the environment, the project has faced major opposition from the public, while many affected residents have also refused to sell their land for the scheme.

President Vucic has said the project would need to secure popular support and conform with environmental regulations before being allowed to go ahead.

SOUNDBITES:

SOT, Simona, Protester (Serbian): “I don want to leave from this country. I want to have option to choose where I want to live and to have clean air and a clean river, which is ours by law.”

SOT, Izabela, protester (Serbian): “In general I am very disappointed by the whole situation in Serbia, but Rio Tinto is polluting our country and that’s bad.”

SOT, Milan, Protester (Serbian): “I expect that with all these more often and bigger protests force authorities to think about their withdrawal from Rio Tinto project and hopefully, there will be more and more people protesting , especially now, when elections are close.”

SOT, Djordje, Protester (Serbian): “I expect we change our consciousness in Serbia and start fighting for our environment. I feel sorry for not seeing so many young people here, people from my school don’t want to come here, I am being teased for protesting. But, my heart is full when I see a lot of people here, people who care about nature and environment”

#RioTinto #Serbia

Video ID: 20220103-029

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