Organization for Political Ecology Polekol has filed complaints against Zlatna Reka Resources and unidentified executives over suspected environmental harm on Rogozna mountain in southwestern Serbia. The move followed months of research and information gathering about potential pollution in the area.
Zlatna Reka Resources is carrying out geological exploration for gold and base metals in Rogozna, near the city of Novi Pazar in southwestern Serbia. It is a subsidiary of Australian company Strickland Metals.
Polekol said residents have been warning for some time about the impact of exploration works on soil, water and the health of people and animals.
Following months of collecting information, the organization filed a complaint against Zlatna Reka Resources with the competent inspection authority, as well as a criminal complaint against an unidentified executive and legal entity in charge.
The complaints concern suspected failure to implement environmental protection measures under article 261 of Serbia’s Criminal Code.
Geological inspection earlier identified irregularities and ordered corrective measures
Polekol said the geological inspection has previously identified irregularities and ordered that they be remedied.
However, according to the organization and the local initiative Ne damo Rogoznu, the problems on the ground have not been resolved.
Polekol is requesting that the competent authorities take water and soil samples at locations where unsecured ponds containing drilling mud and waste were identified, in order to determine whether contamination has occurred and whether it could endanger Rogozna and nearby settlements.
The organization also called on the geological inspection to take all measures within its legal powers to determine responsibility and sanction any identified violations.
Polekol said its main demand is for the Ministry of Mining and Energy not to extend Zlatna Reka Resources’ permit for applied geological exploration. If the extension has already been approved, the organization is asking for the permit to be revoked because of the identified irregularities.
Polekol: Rogozna is not an isolated case
Polekol stressed that Rogozna is not an isolated case, pointing to experiences from the areas of Homolje and Malka Golaja near the city of Zaječar in eastern Serbia.
At Malka Golaja, China-based mining company Zijin Mining illegally cleared 11.5 hectares of forest, according to Serbia’s forestry inspection.
Following complaints, the inspection ordered the company to remove its machinery from the cleared area. According to environmental organization Eko istok, Zijin Mining appealed the decision, but the appeal was rejected. The decision remained in force, and the company subsequently removed the machinery.
