environ

Jadar Valley faces uncertain future as Serbian government resurrects controversial lithium mine project

In the Jadar Valley of western Serbia, recent extreme heat hasn't deterred farmers from their fields. This region, home to around 18,000 residents, is predominantly inhabited by young families who depend on its fertile land. However, in the past five years, their lives have been disrupted by Anglo-Australian mining giant Rio Tinto’s plans to establish a lithium mine in the area. Veterinarian and farmer Zlatko Kokanovic, whose family has lived here for generations, fears the mine's impact. He believes that…