Englishmen-nickel ore researchers on Mokra Gora, yet continuation of nickel ore research

Citizens of Užice put themselves to plans and projects for further development of that area, especially Šarganska osmica and Drvengrad of Emir Kusturica, and then a surprise waited for them – Englishmen obtained permit for research of nickel ore on Mokra Gora, without any previous tender. The Ministry of Mining and Energetics made the decision on November 16, 2004 on allotment of right to research of nickel ore and related material to company Dinara nikl from Belgrade, daughter company to English company European nickel PLC.

The citizens of Užice think that the numerous laws have been violated and not to speak about Spatial Plan of Republic of Serbia, passed in 1996, which is in effect until 2010. Zlatibor, Tara, Mokra Gora, Šargan and Beli Rzav are protected locations with intact nature intended only for intensive development of tourism.

The Ministry claims that the research works will cost € 2m, and it seems that the final decision will be made by Supreme Court of Serbia.

By the way, there is big demand for nickel lately and its price on the world market is four times higher. It is interesting that once "biggest unsuccessful investment" in SFRJ - "Feni" from Kavadarci (Macedonia) operates extremely good, whereas "Fero nikal" from Glogovac (Kosmet) is closed.

It is well known that the area of Mokra Gora and Rzav is rich with iron ores, as well as nickel ore. These are the biggest deposits in the Balkans and it is certain that the reserves are enormous.

Đorđe Mihajlović, deputy of the Ministry of Mining and Energetics announced that he would withdraw the permit for research of nickel ore on that area of Mokra Gora, which had obtained the status of previous protection that referred to about 10 square kilometers, of total of 100 square kilometers, on which the works were carried out. He pointed out that those works had no ecological consequences, because if there were ore, it could deep below the surface and with low content of nickel.

For the researches of mineral raw materials on area of Mokra Gora, it is necessary to invest 136 m CSD for only one year, therefore, company "Dinara nikl" will have advantage, if it meets all other requirements, in obtaining of right to later possible exploitation of this ore.