The initiative titled “Development of Options for Remediation of the Contaminated Site of the Former Brskovo Mine in Montenegro” aims to create sustainable solutions for managing polluted areas and protecting the environment, while also reducing the long-term effects of mining activities on both nature and human health.

This announcement was made by the PR Center during a press conference held by the Environmental Protection Agency, where the project was officially presented. This initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, the Institute of Public Health, and the Ecological Movement OZON.

Milan Gazdić, the Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, highlighted the Agency’s commitment to enhancing and safeguarding natural resources through sustainable policies, science-based strategies, and collaborative efforts with all relevant stakeholders, envisioning a future where environmental standards ensure the health and well-being of all citizens.

“I express my gratitude to our project partners—the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, the Institute of Public Health, and NGO Ozon—for their ongoing cooperation. Their expertise and professionalism will significantly support the implementation of all planned activities,” stated Gazdić.

He pointed out that mercury contamination poses a severe environmental and public health issue, with notable amounts of mercury discovered in the soil surrounding the former Brskovo lead and zinc mine.

“As the project progresses, we will also evaluate additional environmental factors. Our initiative will allow for a comprehensive assessment of contamination while proposing effective remediation strategies to mitigate risks to both the environment and the health of the local community. This project is set to last 36 months and provides an opportunity to enhance the monitoring and remediation systems for this contaminated site through data-driven analyses and a multidisciplinary approach, aligned with best global practices and European standards,” Gazdić assessed.

He added that this project marks a significant step towards more responsible and sustainable management of natural resources and public health protection.

Zoran Dabetić, State Secretary at the Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development, remarked that this three-year project aims to develop sustainable solutions for managing polluted sites, ultimately reducing the long-term health impacts of mining activities on both people and the environment.

“Mining operations can have enduring effects on the environment. However, it’s crucial to conduct thorough analyses before drawing any concluding remarks, thereby defining the best sustainable actions for the future based on scientific evidence,” noted Dabetić.

He mentioned that methods for assessing pollution will be developed to gain a clear understanding of the extent and implications of the problem for the local community and the larger environment.

“A primary goal of this project is to formulate a conceptual plan for remediating and restoring the contaminated area, which entails researching opportunities to minimize human and environmental health risks,” said Dabetić.

Currently, Montenegro lacks a specific law on soil protection, and this project offers an opportunity to address that deficiency and lay groundwork for a future legislative framework.

“The health of our soil is essential for preserving natural resources, biodiversity, and fostering sustainable economic growth. We are committed to developing a legal framework that aligns with European standards. Our Ministry fully supports the Environmental Protection Agency’s efforts and those of all institutions participating in the project,” added Dabetić.

He believes the project will yield significant and lasting results, facilitating compliance with European soil protection standards while also enhancing local capabilities for monitoring and managing pollution.

“We aspire to achieve outcomes that reduce the ecological footprint of mining activities and improve overall quality of life,” Dabetić concluded.

Ivana Joksimović, Assistant Director of the Institute of Public Health, emphasized the project’s significance from both a public health protection viewpoint and in terms of data collection that could shape various environmental protection and health maintenance policies.

“Involving the community in research helps measure toxic substance levels, such as mercury in blood and urine, allowing us to determine exposure levels and identify at-risk groups. Mercury can exist in minerals in negligible amounts without posing harm, but human activities can release significant quantities into the environment, where it persists for millennia,” explained Joksimović.

She pointed out that mercury present in water and soil is especially concerning, as it is found in a highly toxic form that can easily be ingested by animals, entering both human and food chains.

“We anticipate that this project will uncover health risks related to contamination from the former mine, forming a foundation for establishing effective measures to reduce exposure, enhance health outcomes, and ensure sustainable environmental management,” emphasized Joksimović.

Aleksandar Perović, director of NGO Ozon, stated that the core objective of the project is to generate results that will help improve the situation.

“I hope we will engage more in-field work and include recent graduates from the University of Montenegro. It’s essential to employ young individuals who have theoretical knowledge yet lack practical experience. I support the project wholeheartedly and look forward to positive results, believing we will have the chance to share our fieldwork achievements over the next three years,” remarked Perović.

Project coordinator Gordana Đukanović expressed that the most crucial activities will be those conducted after the project’s conclusion since without follow-up, the project’s impact will be diminished.

“Post-project activities should include developing the main project for remediating and restoring the contaminated site, along with the actual remediation and restoration efforts and realizing the newly created value,” stated Đukanović.

She stressed that numerous cancer cases in Mojkovac have been linked to mining activities.

According to Đukanović, the initial phase involves a study that will bring together experts from Montenegro as well as young professionals.

“Our aim is to conduct a thorough analysis to determine the pollution levels in this area, which will serve as a prerequisite for developing a conceptual solution and proposals based on the findings of the initial component. We hope to present a conceptual design and solution for addressing this issue,” Đukanović noted.

The project is funded with a budget of approximately $274,000.

This initiative is being implemented with backing from the Specific International Programme of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.

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