In eastern Serbia, a group of women has formed a blockade to halt the progression of a mining operation they claim is harming their environment and health.
Ivana Sekularac reports for Reuters.
In short:
- Residents of Krivelj, Serbia, particularly women, have taken to guarding a bridge to prevent trucks from accessing a copper mine, due to its adverse effects on their community.
- The mine, managed by China’s Zijin Mining, is accused of causing environmental degradation, including soil and water contamination.
- Efforts by the mining company to negotiate relocation plans have seen some progress, with a commitment to halt heavy truck traffic through the village.
Key quote:
“We are forced to block the road, because we are poisoned, everything is polluted, we can’t grow vegetables anymore.”
— Vukosava Radivojevic, resident of Krivelj.
Why this matters:
Chemicals used in copper mining can contaminate local water sources. This can affect agriculture, livestock and the health of local populations. The physical landscape is also altered, which can lead to habitat destruction, potentially diminishing biodiversity and local wildlife.
