Serbian government's mining zone plan condemned as 'devastating' for local villages

The Serbian government's decision to develop a spatial plan for a mining and metallurgical zone in the country's east has drawn sharp criticism from environmental advocates. Mirko Popović of the Platform for Social Development and Innovation CORE stated that the government's move effectively seals the fate of local villages, accusing the mining company Ziđin Mining of being permitted to devastate the region.

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The Republic of Serbia has practically passed a verdict on those villages.

Popović pointed out the irony of the government deciding on a special purpose plan for an area Ziđin Mining has already damaged. He questioned the company's rapid clearing of 11 hectares of forest, citing an inspection report that indicated the area was cleared using heavy machinery rather than selective logging. "Where is Ziđin Mining rushing to?" he asked, implying a disregard for environmental regulations.

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There is someone above the institutions working locally who is clearly allowing Ziđin to devastate this area.

The advocate further questioned the government's priorities, asking how it has come to prioritize Ziđin's corporate plans over the well-being of the land and its inhabitants. He noted that Ziđin Koper has been fined 12 times in the past five years for building without permits or authorization for mining operations. "It is incredible that someone is allowed to repeat similar criminal offenses 12 times in different places and, of course, is allowed to continue working," Popović said, adding that Ziđin Mining appears to be following the same pattern.

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What kind of work is that company doing on 11 hectares where it has bestially destroyed the forest?

Popović suggested that these actions occur with tacit consent, but emphasized that it is not accurate to say the entire system is failing. He believes someone above local institutions is enabling Ziđin's destructive practices. He also mentioned the international standard of free, prior, and informed consent from local communities for mining projects, a standard he claims is absent in Serbia. Popović called the people resisting the combined pressure from the state and Ziđin "heroes" for defending not only their own interests but the public good.

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How did we get into a situation where the priority for the structures managing the country is for Ziđin to achieve its corporate plans?