“The government that allowed it is the most responsible for it.” This is how Dragan Vasiljevic, a resident of the village of Medna near Mrkonjic-Grad, begins the story. He is dissatisfied with the consequences of coal mining near a village with about 120 inhabitants.
The company “Medna NV” opened a mine there last year, which stretches on both sides of the stream. The stream flows into the local river and, they say, it is the first to be hit by pollution.
The measured concentration of iron in the water from the stream in February of this year was almost 30 times higher than the maximum allowed, aluminum 27 times, and copper four times. An excessive amount of lead was also measured, according to the report of the Institute for Public Health of the Republika Srpska (RS) entity.
Local environmentalists oppose coal mining
Natasa Mazalica is a biologist and works in the ecological association “Green Ways” in Mrkonjic-Grad. This association hired the Institute for Public Health to analyze the quality of water from the stream.
At the same time, says Mazalica, they requested that the entity’s water inspector inspect the operation of the mine. Based on a visual inspection, he concluded that the coal mine “does not negatively affect the quality of water in the stream, and that everything is in accordance with the law.”
She adds that the company deposits, crushes and sorts the coal outside the mine. She explains that the Municipality subsequently legalized the investor’s business at this location as well, even though it is right next to the main road.
What does the local government say?
The mayor of Mrkonjic-Grad, Dragan Vodjevic, says that “the situation is not easy and he is trying to balance the interests of the population, the needs of the RS and the competent ministries, as well as investors.” He adds that the investor exports mined coal to Serbia.
Coal mine owners: We have all the necessary permits
The founders of Medna NV are Nebojsa Tegeltija and Bozidar Mijatovic, according to the business register. Tegeltija is from Mrkonjic-Grad and, according to Mayor Vodjovic, he is the initiator of the opening of the mine.
The company “Medna NV” told that they have all the necessary permits and approvals, as well as correct cooperation with the local community, municipal authorities and the church. They add that they paid all the locals who sold or rented land for the needs of the mine.
Lawsuits of environmental associations
Redzib Skomorac is a lawyer who works in the environmental association Center for the Environment. He told that his organization, together with the Green Ways organization from Mrkonjic-Grad, is trying to reduce the harmful impact of the mine on the environment and residents through legal means, Slobodna Evropa reports.
E.Dz.
