The Environmental Protection Agency has denied approval to “Inženjering put” for the Environmental Impact Assessment Study concerning the quarry at Milošev krš, meaning that construction work near Cetinje will not commence.

This information comes from a recent decision by the Agency, which has a 15-day window for appeals.

Evaluation of the Study for the Milošev krš quarry has been in progress since autumn 2023, coinciding with the wait for additional approvals. In June of the previous year, the Agency mandated that “Inženjering put” must finalize and revise the document within one year. The Royal Capital has also denied the use of the local road for this project, citing its unsuitability for simultaneous regular and heavy freight traffic.

Residents of Kosijeri, Bokovo, Đinovići, and nearby Cetinje villages have opposed the quarry for some time, citing concerns about dust, exhaust fumes, heavy machinery, noise, and the degradation of local roads.

“In the environmental impact assessment process, it was confirmed that the Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the technical and construction stone extraction project at the Milošev krš site was not prepared in accordance with the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment, nor with the suggestions from the Commission for Evaluating the Environmental Impact Assessment Study. The rejection decision indicates that the project proponent cannot initiate activities related to this extraction project without consent from the Environmental Protection Agency,” states the Agency’s decision.

Nikola Adzic, a resident of Đinovići, told “Vijesti” that the rejection of the Study signifies a retreat of this damaging project and a triumph of reason and environmental health over poor legislation, practices, and construction pressures.

Regarding a potential appeal by the concessionaire, Adzic emphasized they do not anticipate this.

“Following the Agency’s decisions last year, a comprehensive biodiversity assessment of the broader area was supposed to be conducted in the past year, including the effects on human health, which was not done. Therefore, extending this damaging project is unnecessary. We believe we have resolved the quarry issue in our region. Additionally, a new species of the plant Petrolamium Crnojevicii was discovered near the proposed quarry; our future efforts will aim to protect this plant’s habitat. We shouldn’t underestimate the potential ecological damage that quarries could cause to this environment. Moreover, we live in an ecological state, and our Constitution guarantees us the right to a healthy environment, so we trust decision-makers will recognize this without waiting for local residents to remind them,” Adzic stated.

In February 2022, the government approved a concession for detailed geological research and exploitation of mineral resources in Milošev krš based on a proposal from the Ministry of Capital Investments (now the Ministry of Energy and Mining). This led to a tender and a contract with the company “Inženjering put” in August of that year.

The Ministry of Energy informed “Vijesti” that the concessionaire has yet to notify them officially about withdrawing from the project, and the concession contract for the exploration and exploitation of technical and construction stone remains valid unless “Inženjering put” submits a termination request or other legal grounds for suspension arise.

“Without a positive assessment from the Environmental Protection Agency, exploitation is not permitted. Each project must comply with all legal protocols and environmental protection standards. We recognize the local community’s concerns and expect the relevant institutions to make appropriate decisions transparently, in line with the public interest,” stated the Ministry.

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