A new era of mining is unfolding in the Dinaric Alps, the rugged mountain range stretching through the Balkan Peninsula, driven by the demand for minerals critical to the green transition towards renewable energy. This region, historically known for its challenging mining past, is now at the center of intense debates over environmental and social impacts.
As countries like Germany, France and Italy seek to secure raw materials closer to home, Balkan nations such as Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are eager to attract European investment. However, these countries are not EU members, and their mining initiatives are sparking widespread criticism and protests, particularly concerning pollution and corruption.
The EU aims to reduce its dependency on China, which currently dominates the mining of essential minerals like lithium, borates, and cobalt, used in technologies ranging from electric vehicles to wind turbines. European interest has shifted towards the Balkans, where significant mineral deposits have been identified, notably in the Jadar river valley in western Serbia.
Discovered by Australian mining giant Rio Tinto in 2004, jadarite—a mineral containing lithium and borates—has drawn attention for its potential to meet a substantial portion of Europe’s lithium needs. Despite its promise, the proposed Jadar mine has become a contentious issue in Serbia. The project’s approval process has faced accusations of corruption and opacity, fueling large-scale protests. In August 2023, about 40,000 demonstrators took to the streets of Belgrade, blocking railways and voicing their opposition.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has faced pressure to cancel the project following previous large protests. However, a recent Constitutional Court ruling reinstated the mine’s permits, leading to renewed demonstrations. The EU, including leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, supports the project as a means to ensure Europe’s resource security and reduce dependence on external sources.
Proponents argue that the Jadar mine is crucial for Europe’s green transition, despite concerns about its environmental impact. Critics point out that the mine, if developed, would be one of the few lithium mines near populated areas, raising fears of pollution and environmental degradation. Serbian researchers have reported high levels of contaminants downstream from exploratory drilling, though Rio Tinto disputes these claims, asserting that the project adheres to strict environmental standards.
The Jadar mine is emblematic of broader tensions in the Balkans. Serbia’s political and economic landscape, combined with the historical context of mining in the region, complicates the debate. Critics argue that the EU’s focus on securing raw materials could be seen as exploiting the Balkans, with concerns that new mining projects may repeat past environmental and social harms.
The situation is mirrored in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina, where new mining ventures are also underway, driven by foreign companies. The legacy of past mining practices, combined with modern environmental awareness, fuels skepticism about the benefits of such projects.
The ongoing protests and political maneuvers surrounding the Jadar mine highlight the broader dilemma facing the EU and Balkan nations. As the demand for critical minerals grows, the challenge is balancing economic interests with environmental and social responsibility. The outcome of the Jadar project could set a precedent for future mining operations in the region and influence the EU’s approach to securing critical raw materials while addressing the complex legacies of mining in the Balkans.
