Additional checks for claims about coal deposit in Ugljevik

In Republika Srpska, sharp debates have been held in recent days after property owners and citizens of the local communities Janjari – Atmačići, Glinja and Srednja Trnova submitted a complaint with alarming data regarding the expropriation plan for the exploitation and concession field in the area of the municipality of Ugljevik. Ramiz Salkić, Vice-President of the National Assembly of Republika Srpska and member of the Presidency of the Party of Democratic Action (SDA), has also become involved in resolving this issue.

As he told the Patria News Agency, Salkić is actually dealing with resolving the problems of returnees in Ugljevik. The plan envisages the expropriation of agricultural and forest land, residential and other buildings, which definitely means making life impossible in these areas, especially since most people live from agriculture. Also, the same plan would destroy the spring that supplies 2,000 citizens with water. 

– I have initiated some activities through the Ministry of Energy and Mining of RS to obtain concession agreements and the best possible justification for the expropriation of that land. I am also requesting a meeting with Minister Kovačević (Željko, ed.) so that citizen representatives can attend this discussion, and I hope it will happen – said Salkić.

He further stated that, according to what he knows and what he has learned from the citizens, there have never been any claims before that there are coal deposits in that area.

– Citizens are undertaking certain activities with the Municipality, but one needs to go directly to the minister and talk. We also need to obtain a feasibility study that would be subject to other opinions, in which other mining faculties could also participate. To see if it is indeed a coal deposit or an attempt to pressure people to emigrate – added Salkić.