Environmental problems of copper complex in Bor area

Abstract

The paper discusses some environmental problems caused by the presence of the copper mining and processing complex in the Bor area (Eastern Serbia). The Bor area is a serious hot spot in Serbia. Unsupervised operation of the mining company RTB Bor, without any protective measures, has led to extreme pollution of the Bor River, the Danube and underground waters, soil pollution with heavy metals, air-pollution with sulfur-dioxide etc. Recommendations are suggested as follows: a sustainable use of resources, because for the moment they cannot be rationally used if the actual trend continues; environmental sanitation is necessary, as well as control and ecological damages prevention, as a condition for the new developmental phases; and implementation of EU industrial policy as well as EU policy in the mining sector. Concerning the future development of RTB Bor area and the boundary areas with Bulgaria and Romania, the high ecological risks that exist because of the excessive use of resources must be taken into consideration, if the mentioned policies in development strategy of the restructured and privatized company would not be incorporated.