World giants plan new mines in Serbia

Currently in Serbia, geological explorations are carried out at over 120 locations, more than 50 companies are searching for various types of ore, and half of them have foreign capital.

Most permits were issued to the companies searching for gold and copper in the southeast of the country.

„The state owns mineral resources so it has data even from the companies that have stopped explorations at certain locations,“ says Assistant Minister of Mining and Energy, Ivan Jankovic.

For every square kilometre of explored area, companies pay a fee of 10,000 dinars, and local self-governments in which explorations are carried out also have benefits.

„The state benefits primarily in the process of granting approval for geological explorations, some fees are paid to various state institutions that provide their decisions, approvals and opinions,“ says geologist Dusan Podunavac.

„Exploration of mineral resources is an important business for every country for many reasons – economic, strategic, and there is also the development factor. The exploration of mineral resources is an expensive job in which large global companies, multinational companies, are mainly involved,“ says Professor of the Faculty of Mining and Geology, Vojin Cokorilo.

Geological explorations are regulated by law and they cannot last indefinitely.

„The process of geological exploration is limited to eight years. At the beginning, a decision is obtained for three years with the possibility of extension,“ says Podunavac.

Izvor: RTS

Foto: Pixabay