The Serbian Parliament will sit today on the issue of lithium mining, regional television reports En1. This will be the third extraordinary session on this matter, convened by 86 people's representatives, BTA quoted.
The opposition has submitted a proposal to ban the mining of lithium and boron. The ban is supported by the Union of Environmental Organizations and the group "We Don't Give Yadar", which organized protests against lithium mining. The initiative also receives support from the "Kreni-promeni" movement, which is not represented in the parliament.
Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic earlier criticized the opposition for convening this session, calling it “amateur“ initiative. Despite the government's resistance, opposition MPs are pushing for a debate on the issue, and some have accused President Aleksandar Vucic's government of being afraid of open debate.
In August, tens of thousands of Serbs protested in Belgrade against the project of the Australian company “Rio Tinto” for lithium mining in the Jadar Valley, Western Serbia.
According to the mine managers, the mine represents an opportunity for economic development, while opponents of the project warn that the mine will lead to irreversible pollution of the Yadar Valley, including groundwater, agricultural land and rivers in the area.