Local communities in Bosnia and Serbia are accusing authorities of colluding with mining companies to exploit natural resources, particularly lithium, which is highly sought after by EU nations. They claim this collaboration suppresses dissent and manipulates legislation.
In early September, Dragana Ristic, administrator of the Facebook group “Say No to the Lithium Mine in Lopare,” was summoned for questioning by police in Lopare, northeastern Bosnia and Herzegovina. Ristic had shared a post featuring a photo of a poorly parked car associated with the Swiss mining company Arcore. Although Arcore had announced a significant lithium discovery in the area a year earlier, local opposition has been mounting against its mining plans, especially with elections approaching.
Ristic clarified that she did not compose the post, which contained sarcastic commentary about a female geologist from Arcore. She traced the post to a fake Facebook account. Despite being questioned as a witness, her lawyer, Milanko Tosic, believes the case lacks a legal basis and will not progress further.
The situation reflects heightened tensions over the prospect of mining in Lopare, which could supply lithium for electric car batteries in the EU. Residents express concerns over potential environmental impacts, particularly on local water sources, while authorities in Republika Srpska, one of Bosnia’s two entities, have amended laws to facilitate mining operations.
The controversy mirrors similar situations in Serbia, where protests against a major lithium mine operated by Rio Tinto have been largely dismissed by the government. The project has garnered significant support from Germany, highlighting its importance to the electric vehicle supply chain.
In Bosnia, officials tout mining projects as crucial for economic development, promising job creation and tax revenue. However, residents fear that the government lacks the capacity to effectively monitor environmental consequences. Local councillor Sergej Milanovic emphasized the need for institutional oversight, citing past contamination incidents linked to mining.
The story of Lopare began when Arcore announced the discovery of significant lithium reserves in late 2023. In March, a company representative claimed the mine could generate €1 billion annually and create thousands of jobs. This aligns with the EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act, aimed at increasing domestic production of essential minerals.
However, local officials have expressed skepticism, with Lopare’s mayor noting that most residents oppose the mine due to fears of toxic leaks. Reports of dried-up wells following exploratory drilling have further fueled concerns.
Arcore plans to use open-pit mining techniques, which environmentalists argue are harmful, but the company insists that operations will be tightly regulated.
Similar issues arise in Serbia, where communities face the repercussions of mining activities. Cvetko Jovanovic from Lukavac claims that water contamination has led to health issues after a nearby drilling operation ceased. While the mining company, Euro Lithium & Borates, denies responsibility, municipal authorities have acknowledged contamination in nearby wells.
Both in Bosnia and Serbia, local communities express frustration over inadequate governmental support and a lack of transparency regarding mining operations. Activists call for greater respect for local rights and environmental protections as mining activities expand in the region.
