Plans to open coal mine stopped in southeastern Serbia

An N1 reporter said that the decision to stop the drafting of a plan for the mine in the village of Mazgos was taken by the city assembly with all councilors present voting yes.

The ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) councilors said they voted in line with the planning commissions assessment while the opposition claimed pressure from Belgrade which the mayor denied. The planning commission said that a coal mine would pose a danger to the health of the population, nature and waters for the village and the city.

Local people and activists from outside the city, including officials of the Ecological Uprising party and its leader Aleksandar Jovanovic Cuta, gathered outside the assembly building for a second day during the session. Protests and efforts to stop the opening of the mine have been underway for 2 years.

The Dimitrovgrad area lies along the border with Bulgaria.