Local authorities in western Serbia have "frozen" their plans to build a lithium mine following nature protests, Euronews reports.
The mining giant Rio Tinto was expected to start operating soon, but Loznitsa City Council voted to suspend a regional development plan that allowed lithium production.
Yesterday's vote came after the Serbian parliament rejected two key laws that environmentalists say allowed the project to begin.
For three consecutive weekends, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Belgrade, blocking major roads and bridges to express their discontent.
"Whether there will be a mine depends mostly on the people of Western Serbia, as well as on environmental impact research," said Serbian Prime Minister Ana Bernabic.
Although Rio Tinto said it would adhere to state-of-the-art environmental standards, protesters said lithium production could cause constant pollution.
After plans for the mine were frozen, President Vucic said Serbia would change the way it communicates with Rio Tinto and other investors.
The nearly 150-year-old Rio Tinto is facing charges of corruption, environmental pollution and violations of workers' rights.
Lithium, used to make batteries for electric cars, is considered one of the most sought after metals at a time when the world is looking for sustainable energy resources.
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