The Chinese plan to expand the oldest mine in the region, the “Jama” mine in Bor. An environmental impact assessment is awaited.
The Bor “Jama” mine was officially opened in 1903, when organized exploitation of the Bor ore deposit began under the leadership of industrialist Đorđe Vajfert and French investors. This makes it one of the oldest operating mining facilities in the region, with a tradition spanning more than 120 years.
The Government of Serbia has adopted a decision to develop a Spatial Plan for the Area of Special Purpose for the Development of the “Jama” Mine in Bor, thereby paving the way for further expansion of mining capacities in Bor.
As stated, the Spatial Plan will cover parts of the cadastral municipalities of Bor 1, Bor 2 and Oštrelj, and its goal is to create a planning basis for the continued development of the mining and metallurgical system and increase copper ore production. It was pointed out that the second phase of development will envisage improving the exploitation of the Jama deposit, constructing new mining infrastructure and accompanying facilities, as well as building a new flotation plant for ore processing, eKapija writes.
It was explained that the Plan will provide detailed elaboration of the mine complex, ore processing facility, flotation tailings facility, transport infrastructure, energy and telecommunications lines, as well as other facilities necessary for the functioning of the future system.
As stated, the development of the plan should be completed within nine months of the decision entering into force, while the funds for its development will be provided by Zijin Copper Serbia.
The body responsible for developing the plan is the Agency for Spatial Planning and Urbanism of Serbia, and once completed, the draft will be available for public inspection for 30 days at the Bor City Administration building.
Environmental impact assessment
In spring 2026, the Agency for Spatial Planning and Urbanism of the Republic of Serbia adopted a decision to prepare a Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment for the Spatial Plan for the Area of Special Purpose for the Jama Mine in Bor.
According to the document, it will make it possible to assess the potential impacts of mining activities on the environment and the health of the population. The Strategic Assessment will cover parts of the cadastral municipalities of Bor I, Bor II and Oštrelj. According to the decision, the strategic assessment procedure was already carried out during 2024 and 2025.
The body responsible for its preparation is the Agency for Spatial Planning and Urbanism of the Republic of Serbia, while the funds are being provided by Serbia Zijin Copper. The deadline for preparing the Strategic Assessment is 12 months.
Does anyone live there?
Local residents and associations often fear increased air, water and soil pollution, as well as potential relocations in areas where mining activities are expanding.
According to official data from the latest 2022 population census, 523 people live in the village of Oštrelj. The main reasons for the decades-long decline in the population are environmental problems, namely the immediate proximity of the tailings facility and air pollution caused by arsenic and dust, as well as the emigration of residents.
Due to the expansion of mining activities by Serbia Zijin Copper, residents of Oštrelj have for years publicly demanded the collective relocation of the village under fair conditions.
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Source: Vreme.com, Foto: zijinbor.com