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-DW Information
Belgrade, Jan 21: Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic introduced the cancellation of a plan to permit mining large Rio Tinto to construct a lithium mine on Thursday.
The choice marks a U-turn for the federal government coming after months of weekly protests that introduced 1000’s out onto the streets.
“Now we have fulfilled all of the calls for from the environmental protests and have put an finish to Rio Tinto within the Republic of Serbia,” Brnabic stated in a televised handle.
Why had been individuals protesting?
Environmental protesters have been demanding an finish to the plan for months. They made headlines by blocking main roads, bringing site visitors within the capital and different areas to a halt.
The protesters had been involved concerning the quantity of air pollution the mine would create. Serbia is already one of the vital polluted international locations in Europe and must spend billions to succeed in targets set by the EU for potential admission to the bloc.
Rio Tinto purchased up land within the Loznica area after discovering lithium deposits in 2004. The corporate had deliberate to speculate $2.4 billion (€2.12 billion) within the challenge. Lithium is a key element in trendy applied sciences, akin to electrical automobiles.
“The whole lot concerning the Jadar challenge is completed,” Brnabic stated on Thursday, placing an finish to plan.
However activists vowed to proceed their protests till the federal government bans lithium — in addition to borate — mining altogether.
“Only one extra step! We’re shut,” protest chief Savo Manjlovic tweeted after the prime minister’s announcement.
Authorities seems to be to imminent elections
The federal government’s change of coronary heart comes forward of elections in April. The ruling Serbian Progressive Occasion (SNS) had initially supported the event of mines in Serbia, however the social gathering has seen its help decline.
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic additionally spoke out in favor of “clear air” in December, exhibiting his help for the protests.
Brnabic had stated earlier within the month that the destiny of the mine can be determined after the election, earlier than altering her thoughts.
“We’re listening to our individuals and it’s our job to guard their pursuits even once we assume in a different way,” she stated on Thursday.
Supply: DW
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