Nickel reserves of 67 million tons are placed on the Vardiste area, according to the research of Geological Institute Sarajevo from 1961. It is estimated that there are 200 million tons still.
Parliament of Visegrad municipality gave a “green light” for issuance of nickel research in Vardiste concession right after Rudo municipality, despite the danger for environment and Drina’s pollution which will be brought by potential exploitation of this metal.
Banjaluka’s Company “Nickel”, whose establisher is “Serbian Nickel” from Belgrade that was in the center of attention and public opposition for nickel research last year, submitted a request for concession issuance for nickel and cobalt research to the Ministry of Industry Energy and Mining. Famous Movie Director Emir Kusturica severely confronted the research in Mokra Gora region.
Board members of SDS, PDP, DP, SRS and one board member of SDA adopted a conclusion which expressed positive opinion about concession issuance for nickel research in Vardiste with remark that doesn’t consider approval of eventual exploitation.
Local opposition leaded by SNSD stresses that municipalities will be asked to declare about this project on referendum.
“To invest 10 million EUR in research and not to do exploitation is the story for little kids. Issuing approval for research is indirect issuing approval for exploitation”, Vinko Droca, SNSD board member, is convinced.
Nickel reserves of 67 million tons are placed on the Vardiste area, according to research of Geological Institute Sarajevo from 1961. It is estimated that there are 200 million tons still, what supposes to be confirmed with the new research.
Source Serbia Energy SEE Desk/Agencies
