During the summer period, our project Environmental Risk Assessment from Mining Activities as a Result of Tailings Storage in the Cross-Border Area Romania–Serbia (ERA-MIN_RO-SRB) continued intensive activities both in the field and in the laboratory. Partners from Serbia and Romania jointly carried out water, soil, and air sampling at key locations in the Bor District, using new equipment acquired through the IPA program. The aim of these activities is to establish a comprehensive and reliable database on the state of the environment in the cross-border area, which will serve for detailed risk assessments and the development of recommendations for protecting public health.
In addition to fieldwork, communication with the local community on social media was intensified during the summer. Video clips and photos from Mokranje, the Porečka River, and other sites were published to familiarize the public with the sampling process and the significance of the collected data. These posts received excellent feedback – citizens engaged with comments and questions, and local institutions expressed interest in further activities. This not only raises awareness of the impact of mining activities but also builds trust in scientific results and the transparency of EU funding.
Through these activities, the project has reaffirmed its commitment not only to scientific work but also to open communication with residents and partners. By bridging the gap between field research and digital presentation of results, ERA-MIN_RO-SRB demonstrates that modern science can be both expert and accessible.