The approach of Adriatic Metals Plc involves engaging with the local population, understanding their aspirations and shaping mining projects accordingly. Despite its significant economic output, this company’s operations seem small due to a deliberate focus on underground mining that minimises surface disturbances.
It was clear to you from the first time you arrived in the region that there are many unexploited opportunities in the Balkans, which is a region that’s crying out for modern research. Were you right; are there valuable deposits?
― Our daily exploration results and deposits affirm my confidence. The Balkans, spanning over 10,000km, sits on a mineral belt that’s comparable to those of the Andes and the Rocky Mountains. Despite its potential, this area is less explored with modern geophysics and geochemistry.
World-class mining districts in the Balkans, like Chelopech/Elatsite in Bulgaria, Bor/Timok in Serbia, and Rosia Montana in Romania, highlight the region’s significant potential.
In Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, where our projects are located, mining technology has advanced since the former period of Yugoslav exploration, attracting major players in the global mining industry. Being in such esteemed company further validates my confidence in our projects.
What led to the specific selecting of the Raška District and two locations in Bosnia-Herzegovina?
― The investment decision wasn’t made hastily. When initially presented, the project struggled to gain attention and support for its vision. In December 2016, our team, including geologists and mining engineers, conducted a comprehensive assessment in Bosnia. We thoroughly examined assets, conducted biodiversity research, tested water and air quality, scrutinised health records and assessed the taxation system – representing an £8 million investment that reflected our commitment to understanding local communities’ resources.
What sets our project apart is its adaptation to community aspirations, ensuring long-term economic sustainability. We continue to explore existing projects with enthusiasm and anticipation. In selecting projects in Serbia, we focused on historic mining areas with known mineralisation. The Raška District exemplifies such an area, neighbouring the former Trepca, the largest mining complex of the former Yugoslavia. Besides prospective geology, Raška offers factors like excellent infrastructure, market accessibility, in-country expertise, a lowcost operating environment, low tax rates and a pro-mining community that’s open to exploration and mining investment.
Why do we need large international companies?
― Large international companies are pivotal in the mining industry, due to their significant investments and crucial roles. The decision to invest often precedes a comprehensive evaluation of natural resource viability, making the presence of these companies essential. In our case, we’ve facilitated the investment of six companies, injecting substantial capital into Bosnia. This collective FDI has not only boosted the local economy, but also strengthened international ties. Companies like ours bring the financial resources, expertise and global networks that are required to drive transformative initiatives and make a lasting impact on the regions in which we operate.
How can you convince the local population, as well as the public as a whole, that you won’t threaten the environment?
― Our company prioritises health and safety, aiming to establish an unprecedented culture of safety in European mining. We focus on the wellbeing of our staff and local communities, addressing the unique challenge of close proximity to mining sites in Europe.
An £8 million investment reflects our commitment to understanding local communities’ resources. What sets our project apart is its adaptation to community aspirations, ensuring long-term economic sustainability
Our approach involves engaging with the local population, understanding their aspirations and shaping our mining projects accordingly. Despite our significant economic output, our operation seems small due to a deliberate focus on underground mining, minimising surface disturbance. Strategically located on a hill, our facility preserves land and water resources, reflecting our commitment to a minimal footprint design. In the absence of environmentally friendly mining examples in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, we strive to showcase positive global examples, aiming to build trust and demonstrate our dedication to the visual and environmental aspects of the local community.
What are the key aspects of your environmental approach?
― Our commitment to environmental protection and sustainable resource utilisation is reflected in several key aspects of our approach. One significant change that we’ve made is in our energy consumption. Our design revolves around the careful selection of equipment that minimises energy usage and reduces our carbon footprint. We’re actively working on the development of a solar facility in an effort to generate our energy sustainably. In addition to traditional mining methods, we’re pioneering new technologies and approaches within the mining industry.
These innovative methods are designed to minimise environmental harm, and they prove even more efficient in many cases. Our aim is to demonstrate that mining can be done differently, in a way that is far less damaging to the environment than conventional practices. In Serbia, we focus on the management of environmental and social issues by proactively anticipating areas of concern, but also by identifying risk and project flaws early in the exploration programme.
Adriatic Metals Serbia is striving to achieve an enduring positive impact on communities located in the vicinity of mines and on all interested parties. What does that imply?
― We are dedicated to environmental and social responsibility, contributing to our esteemed reputation in Serbia since launching exploration in 2016. Despite the mining industry’s historical significance in Raška, we prioritise environmental and social aspects. Our environmental protection focuses on drill pad management, including clean-ups, waste management, the safe disposal of drilling muds and rehabilitation when sites are no longer needed. In terms of social responsibility, we engage with local authorities and community leaders, disseminate information through newsletters and policies, and operate an Info Centre for information exchange. Our community support initiatives involve donations to the local hospital and disability association, sponsorships, student visits, collaboration with the Raška Children’s Association and contributions to address local issues.
Our ongoing commitment to positively impacting the local community underscores our dedication to responsible exploration, serving as an example of harmonious coexistence with both local people and the environment.
Raška offers prospective geology
The Raška District exemplifies a mining area with known mineralisation, neighbouring the former Trepca, the largest mining complex in the former Yugoslavia. Besides prospective geology, Raška offers factors like excellent infrastructure, market accessibility, in-country expertise, a low-cost operating environment, low tax rates and a pro-mining community that’s open to exploration and mining investment.
