Resistance grows in Bosnia and Herzegovina against lithium mining projects

Local resistance is mounting against potential lithium and raw material extraction projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as reported by the Austrian newspaper Standard. Residents in villages near the Majevica mountain have expressed fears for years about foreign companies mining these resources, especially after exploratory drilling has already taken place. Estimates suggest the Majevica region holds substantial deposits, including 1.5 million tons of lithium carbonate, 94 million tons of magnesium sulfate, and 17 million tons of boron.

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However, resistance from the population and local politicians is growing.

The Swiss mining company Arcore AG has secured permits for exploratory drilling in the area. However, Standard notes that "resistance from the population and local politicians is growing." An association called "Guardians of Majevica" was formed in 2023 due to concerns that a proposed mine near Lopare, a town of approximately 3,000 inhabitants, could pollute the Gnjica and Janja rivers. The mining operations are reportedly slated to begin in 2028, with Arcore having an agreement with the Canadian-German company Rock Tech Lithium to supply lithium for its processing plant in Germany, intended to serve the German automotive industry's demand for electric vehicle batteries.

The planned mine also carries political weight, with Standard suggesting that Milorad Dodik, the influential leader of Republika Srpska, sees the project as a means to gain international political support. Dodik, who has faced sanctions from several European countries and previously the United States, is alleged to have offered mineral resource exploitation deals to the Trump administration in exchange for support. Similar resource exploration interests are also noted in other Bosnian regions, such as Ozren, where nickel deposits are a focus, facing similar local opposition.

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The planned mine on Majevica also has a political component. Because the most powerful man in the entity Republika Srpska, SNSD leader Milorad Dodik, hopes for international political support for this project.

Ultimately, the realization of these mining projects hinges on resolving the contentious issue of state property ownership in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Standard highlights that differing views on whether state assets should belong to the entities or the entire country impede the issuance of mining permits. The article also touches upon speculation that the U.S. government under Donald Trump sought to expedite the resolution of this ownership question to facilitate American companies' involvement in gas infrastructure projects, aiming to make Bosnia and Herzegovina dependent on American LNG.

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As long as this issue remains unresolved, mining permits cannot be issued.