Serbian lithium mining debate heats up ahead of German chancellor's visit

Most respondents opposed plans to exploit lithium deposits even if environmental protection guarantees were obtained. When asked if they would support the opening of the mine if Serbia received guarantees from Germany and the European Union that all ecological protection standards would be adhered to, over 52 percent of respondents answered no. Just under 34 percent of those polled agreed to the metal extraction only under such a scenario.

The Director of New Serbian Political Thought, Đorđe Vukadinović, recalled that the government tried to gain the support of undecided citizens through an intensive campaign but did not succeed. Only eight percent of citizens changed their negative attitude when obtaining environmental protection guarantees, Vukadinović noted.

He added that the opening of the mine is mainly supported by supporters of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party, "who will support anything (President) Aleksandar Vučić says."

Opponents are politically dispersed and represent all social categories, he emphasized.

President Vučić announced on Wednesday that a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership for sustainable raw materials between the EU and Serbia will be signed on Friday in Belgrade.

Chancellor Scholz, who is interested in lithium, will come, as well as representatives of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Italian Development Bank, and Mercedes-Benz, the Serbian president said on RTS television.

He stressed that Serbia will not allow large amounts of lithium export. "A maximum of 13 percent; the rest must be used for production in Serbia," he emphasized.

His office confirmed the German Chancellor's visit on Wednesday. The meeting will officially address "bilateral, international, and European political issues." However, it is no secret that the central point of the agenda will be the future of Serbian lithium deposits, wrote the Serbian weekly "Vreme."

The weekly explained that Germany, as the largest car manufacturer in the European Union, is very interested in acquiring lithium, especially in Europe, to reduce dependence on China.

The Serbian government reinstated the possibility of lithium mining in the western part of the country. In response to the legal changes enabling the opening of the mine, part of the Serbian opposition called on citizens to mass protests. "The government has declared war on its own people, which is why we invite all citizens to prepare for widespread mobilization," said MP and environmental activist Aleksandar Jovanović Ćuta.

Lithium and its compounds are used, among other things, in producing heat-resistant glass and ceramics, durable alloys used in aviation, lithium cells, and lithium-ion batteries.

Geologists estimate that the Jadar Valley in Serbia may contain Europe's largest deposits of this raw material. Researchers from the Economist Intelligence Unit noted that "lithium mining could be extremely profitable for Serbia."

The country has 1.3 percent of the world's known metal resources. The estimated value of Serbian lithium is 4 billion euros ($4.3 billion), and its extraction over ten years could create hundreds of jobs and provide a steady stream of revenue for the government, analysts emphasized.