Citizens temporarily halt opening of quarry in Srebrenik

(Patria) - While recovering from one disaster, another threatens us. Residents of the Špionica settlement near Srebrenik have been fighting against the opening of a quarry in this area since 2021.

There are many reasons. The nearest house is only about 30 meters away, and nearby there are also water wells that should be connected to the city water supply system, reports Federalna.ba.

Geological research has already resulted in rocks falling into the bed of the Bistrica River, which for residents represents a serious safety and ecological problem. But what worries residents does not worry the authorities.

For Adela Mahmutović and her family, the quarry would be a serious problem, and fear especially increased after the tragedy in Jablanica. Last year, she also witnessed a rock falling into the bed of the nearby river.

- It was a huge rock. I thought it was an earthquake, I was terrified. The children were playing in the river. If it had rolled a little lower, our children would have died. We live here, this is our home. I don't want to leave, this is mine - she says.

That all the necessary permits for the quarry's operation had been obtained, the residents of Špionica only found out at the end of 2023. But they say they will not give up the fight, because if the quarry starts operating, life here will no longer be possible, and in addition, drinking water sources will be endangered.

- We will fight, I am not afraid of anyone except dear God. I will never give up. People, come and see where this thing he is planning is and why should one individual get rich at our expense - emphasizes resident Jakov Topalović.

- How many nights I haven't slept... The quarry hasn't even started yet, and I'm thinking about what will happen when it does. I think about how it will be and what. That's why I say - no chance! There would be all sorts of things here if they started working - adds resident Zahir Ajanović.

The investor states that his company, before purchasing the quarry from the previous owner, received written statements from residents confirming that they agree to the exploitation and geological research of limestone at the quarry.

He also states that everything was done in accordance with the spatial plans of the City and the Canton, and that he will not give up on this project.

- We would never allow risking people's lives and health. That is why we are patient and respect legal procedures.

We have done the necessary research, projects, and processed the documentation for the quarry's operation in accordance with legal regulations, without endangering anyone's property or health - says the quarry investor, Adem Musić.

The Aarhus Center in Bosnia and Herzegovina provided assistance to the residents and initiated three separate legal proceedings.

The last one concerned the urban planning permit, and the Cantonal Court in Tuzla annulled the Decision of the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Environmental Protection of Tuzla Canton at the beginning of the month, and the case was returned for reconsideration.

Regarding the consents the investor mentions, they say they were given to the previous owner and that there was no mention of a quarry of this capacity at that time.

- Now the court has ordered the procedure to be renewed, meaning that when issuing a new urban planning permit, the Špionica Local Community must be included.

What the outcome of the repeated procedure will be remains uncertain, given that the Špionica Local Community is strictly opposed to this quarry.

This case is an example that justice may be slow, but it is attainable and exists - says Nina Kreševljaković, legal advisor at the Aarhus Center in BiH.

- We must all work according to the law and fulfill everything it requires from us, the City Administration, and private capital. Of course, taking into account what is important for the local community. We have had and will continue to have such an attitude in the coming period - says the Mayor of Srebrenik, Adnan Bjelić.

If the quarry in Špionica is opened, residents state they will have to move away from this area. For some, it will be the second time, as they were already expelled from their homes in Podrinje during the war.