In the Knić area, the possibility for exploration and exploitation of ores should be excluded through amendments to the municipal spatial plan and the adoption of an environmental protection program, according to the “Ekomar” association from Kragujevac.
“It is also necessary to initiate changes to the spatial plan of the Knić municipality, which currently allows exploration and exploitation of mineral resources,” states the Environmental Condition Report in Knić published on the “Ekomar” website.
The report highlights that the eastern side of Kotlenik, with its deposits of gold and copper, has been particularly relevant in recent years for mineral resource exploration and exploitation. It emphasizes that the residents of Knić and numerous experts have expressed “absolute disagreement” with the planned exploration activities aimed at exploiting ores in the eastern Kotlenik area within the Knić municipality through various protests. The report points out that by a decision of the Ministry of Mining and Energy on March 1, 2021, the company Stara Planina Resources was authorized to conduct geological explorations of copper, gold, and associated polymetallic mineralization in the territories of Knić and Kraljevo.
They noted that this authorization is valid until March 1, 2024, but can be extended at the request of the exploration holder.
“The request must be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiration of this exploration authorization, provided that at least 75% of the planned scope and dynamics of the exploration work has been completed,” the ministry’s decision states.
“Ekomar” suggested verifying whether such a request has been submitted to the ministry.
There are no active mines in the Knić municipality, but in the village of Lipnica near Gruža, there used to be a now-closed gypsum mine that produced 50,000 tons of gypsum and 15,000 tons of quartz annually. This exploitation has been halted and the mine has been preserved.
In several locations in the vicinity of the village of Borač, there are reserves of uranium and associated thorium.
Source : N1
