Bor, June 27, 2025 — The first workshop within the international project “Assessment of Environmental Risks of Mining Activities Due to Tailings Disposal in the Cross-Border Area of Romania and Serbia – ERA-MIN_RO-SRB” was held at the Institute for Mining and Metallurgy in Bor. The project is implemented in partnership with the renowned Politehnica University of Timișoara and aims to provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary assessment of the environmental impacts of mining activities in the ecologically sensitive cross-border region between Serbia and Romania.
Participants included researchers, experts, and field operators from both partner institutions, who worked together to exchange knowledge, experiences, and best practices in improving environmental monitoring and risk management associated with tailings disposal and other mining-related activities.
The workshop was officially opened by Dr. Daniel Kržanović, project coordinator from the Institute for Mining and Metallurgy, who emphasized:
“This project is not only about scientific collaboration, but also about taking concrete steps toward improving environmental conditions in regions united by both nature and shared responsibility. It is crucial that we act proactively to identify and manage risks before they evolve into long-term consequences for public health and ecosystems.”
Following the opening, Dr. Nikoleta Nemeš, general project manager, presented the key ecological challenges present at an active mining site, stressing the negative consequences of improper tailings management on surface and groundwater, soil quality, and overall biodiversity.
Next, Miloš Stojanović, risk management specialist, gave a detailed overview of the methodology used to select sampling locations in the cross-border zone between Serbia and Romania, explaining the scientific criteria and planning of upcoming field research activities.
In the concluding phase of the workshop, participants carried out a field activity — surface water sampling at the Mokranje site near Negotin. This hands-on session not only demonstrated the methodology in real conditions but also marked the symbolic beginning of the project’s research phase.
With the successful completion of all scheduled activities, the first ERA-MIN_RO-SRB workshop laid a solid foundation for the next stages of the project. It already stands out as a significant step forward in strengthening cross-border cooperation in the field of environmental protection, highlighting the importance of joint responsibility and collaborative efforts in preserving the natural resources we share.
