The Aarhus Center BiH, an organization dedicated to protecting human rights in the field of the environment, expresses serious concern about the announced project to build a magnesium production plant in the municipality of Kupres.
The project of the investor BH Magnezij & Minerali, owned by the German company Magnesium For Europe, includes the use of dolomite as a raw material for the production of magnesium.
This project, which is planned at the Osmanlije location, could have serious negative ecological, social and economic consequences for the local community and the environment, this organization warns.
– We express concern about the potential of this project to cause lasting environmental damage. Magnesium production, which involves heavy chemical processes, can cause significant air, soil and water pollution. Not only are the natural resources of Kupres at risk, but also the local flora and fauna, which are already endangered. As already emphasized in the expert comments, the planned activities within this project have the potential to disrupt the ecosystem and threaten the living conditions of the population, who are already facing problems due to climate change and unfavorable environmental conditions – the Aarhus Center BiH announced.
In addition to environmental issues, there are serious disagreements regarding the planned project and spatial development strategy of the municipality of Kupres.
In accordance with the Spatial Plan of the Municipality of Kupres, the economic activities envisaged for this region include agriculture, tourism and processing industry, while the chemical industry is excluded.
The Aarhus Center BiH says that the launch of a chemical complex for the production of magnesium is not in line with these development guidelines and may jeopardize the municipality’s long-term goals, including initiatives to declare Kupres an ecological area.
The Aarhus Center calls on the relevant authorities to seriously consider all potential negative consequences of this project before final decisions are made, and calls for transparency in the decision-making process and ensuring adequate participation of the local community in all phases of the construction and operation of this facility, Fena writes.
Source: ba.ekapija.com
