Ecological activists: Alleged remediation of tailings pond on Bobija threatens waterways

From the perspective of N1 Serbia, this is a deeply concerning environmental incident that highlights a pattern of negligence and potential corruption.

“

Where there was a swamp, we dug a canal and released all the existing water. Then, in the place where the swamp was, we filled it with tailings and leveled the ground.

Kristina Cvejanov, an environmental activist, paints a grim picture of the situation at the former bauxite mine on Bobija mountain. The company "Bobija" doo, under the guise of remediation, has allegedly created an ecological catastrophe. By breaching a drainage channel, they have unleashed contaminated water, laden with heavy metals, into the mountain's vital waterways. This isn't just poor practice; Cvejanov labels it "ecological criminal activity of unbelievable proportions," suggesting a systemic failure of oversight by relevant institutions.

“

The remediation was carried out by breaking through a drainage channel, and all the water that collects in this pit after every rainfall was allowed to flow down the mountain. This drainage measure aims to release all this contaminated water down the very edge of the mountain.

The involvement of the Australian firm "Konstantin – risors" further complicates the issue. Having conducted their own mining explorations, they reportedly left behind hazardous waste, continuing the destructive legacy of "Bobija" doo. This suggests a broader problem within the mining sector, where foreign companies may exploit lax regulations, and local entities are permitted to continue polluting, harming the environment and local ecosystems.

“

This is an ecological crime of unbelievable proportions that has been tolerated by the relevant institutions in recent years.

This story is particularly galling from a Serbian perspective because it touches upon the exploitation of natural resources and the potential for environmental damage, often in areas far from the capital. While international media might focus on the technical aspects of mining or environmental regulations, for us, it's about the health of our mountains, the purity of our water, and the accountability of companies operating within our borders. The fact that such practices are allegedly tolerated by authorities is a direct affront to the public's trust and the future well-being of regions like Bobija mountain.

“

All this gray stuff on the surface, which is all over the site, is actually excavated earth from the center, from the depths of the earth, about 30 to 40 meters deep. This finely ground material, which looks harmless like cement or gravel, is actually full of heavy metals and ores that this company extracted to determine the quantities present at this location.