Rio Tinto's $2.55 Billion Lithium Project Hangs in the Balance

A massive, early-stage lithium mining project in Serbia faces huge and animated public opposition, casting some doubt on the viability of a key component of Western Europe's push for a "green transition" away from fossil fuels. Opposition to the Rio Tinto Group project is powered by a hybrid engine fueled by environmentalism and nationalism.  The size and intensity of the opposition was on full display earlier this month, as an estimated 24,000 to 27,000 marching protesters filled wide boulevards in Belgrade, chanting "Rio Tinto get out of…