Activists from the region demand the immediate deletion of all plans for the exploration and mining of critical minerals from the TK spatial plan

While the institutions are silent or actively work against the interests of the people, a clear message was sent from Tuzla that borders do not divide us, and the fight for nature unites us! Activists from the region gathered 7. and August 8 in Tuzla, as part of the Alliance Defend the Balkan Rivers, call for the immediate deletion of all plans for the exploration and exploitation of lithium, nickel, copper and other critical raw materials from the Draft Spatial Plan of the Tuzla Canton. They warn that this is a red line beyond which there is no negotiation, and they announce the continuation of the joint uncompromising struggle if the voice of the people is ignored!

The mining of critical raw materials in the Balkans is an attempt to sacrifice ourselves for the ‘green transition’ of Europe and the world due to the greed of large mining corporations – we say NO! We will not be a mining colony of either the East or the West. Every transition must be fair to miners and peasants and young people and everyone who lives in this region!

“Today, together from Tuzla, we are saying that the requests to delete parts of the Draft Spatial Plan of the Tuzla Canton, which relate to the exploration and exploitation of critical mineral resources, are a red line beyond which there is no negotiation, and we are not only saying this in our name, but also in the name of the people. We are asking for the deletion of all the smallest possibilities for the exploration and exploitation of lithium, boron, cobalt, copper and other critical raw materials because these activities have devastating consequences for water resources, soil, forests and people’s health, as shown by such and similar examples mines around the world”, said Adi Selman from Karton Revolucija from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

For the activists gathered around the Alliance, at a time when we are witnessing a general attack on nature, it is important that the regional struggle is strengthened, so new movements from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina joined this Alliance: Karton Revolucija, Mladi za Kupres, Cuvari Majevica, Cuvari Ozren, Ecological Association Eko Put and Prijedor se budu. The alliance, which operates on the values ​​of unity and resistance that transcends all divisions, counts over 40 local movements throughout the region that are fighting for the preservation of water and fertile land in the region.

Our Iva Marković says: “Whenever it seems to us that we are alone in the environmental fight against White World investors, know that the entire region and this entire nation and the nature of the Balkans are under attack according to the same principle. That is why the best answer is solidarity and togetherness, not only in words, but like today in Tuzla, in deeds and presence. This unity now means a lot to all the local actors who are there, but its strength will only be shown in the common future.”

While the authorities, in the name of the people and without consulting them, plan “development strategies”, we here and now throughout the region have long witnessed the greedy exploitation of nature, water reductions, fires, droughts, landslides. The fight for clean water, fertile land and healthy air is not an ideological issue, it is an issue of life and defense of the right to a dignified life.

The institutions that are supposed to protect us are increasingly showing that they are openly working in the interests of those who want to destroy our country, our health and our future. This is precisely why, as movements that bring together free people, we take responsibility and commit ourselves to common struggle, civil solidarity and everything necessary to defend life. Because our health, nature and dignity are not for sale!