Opening a gold mine on Rogozna could severely impact the health of Novi Pazar residents and the environment, according to Dragana Đorđević, a scientific advisor. In an interview for the Green Minute program, Đorđević explained that the mining process would lead to air pollution from toxic dust, affecting the city both in summer and winter.
Rogozna, located about 10 kilometers from Novi Pazar, would release harmful dust from mining tailings that could travel vast distances, bringing pollution to the city and surrounding areas. This exposure to toxic substances could increase the risk of autoimmune diseases, cancers, and lung conditions, posing a major threat to public health in the region.
Đorđević also criticized foreign investors, arguing that their primary interest lies in extracting cheap resources rather than benefiting the local population. The mining operations, she said, would leave behind vast amounts of toxic waste that would remain in the environment for centuries, polluting rivers, groundwater, and soil. The consequences of these tailings are long-lasting, with some in Serbia dating back to the Middle Ages.
This issue was discussed last week at a forum organized by the civic initiative “Za zdrav Novi Pazar,” where Đorđević, along with academician Slobodan Vukosavić and environmental lawyer Sreten Đorđević, highlighted the risks posed by the mine.
Geological research is currently underway in various locations in Novi Pazar, including Leča, Zlatni kamen, Pasji potok, and Šanac na Rogozna, under the approval of “Zlatna reka Resources” from Belgrade. Preliminary assessments suggest that Rogozna is rich in copper, silver, and gold, with some speculating that the area may contain enough precious metals to supply half of Europe.
