Euromax Services, an indirect subsidiary of Bulgarian copper mining company Asarel-Medet, will reassess its investment plans in Trun, in the west of the country, the environment ministry said on Monday.
“Euromax Services is carrying out a complete reassessment of the parameters of the investment proposal in relation to the economic and social conditions in the municipality of Trun,” the ministry said in a statement.
The Regional Inspectorate of Environment and Water in the city of Pernik was informed by Euromax Services of the company’s decision to halt the procedure for assessment of environmental impact for the gold mine in Trun, the ministry added.
In June, the municipality of Trun held a referendum on whether the local authorities should decline to approve zoning plans envisaging mining and processing of mineral resources. Voters in local referendum rejected with an overwhelming majority plans for gold mining in the area. Voter turnout was 59.7%, making the referendum outcome binding.
Last year, the project for gold and silver mining in Trun area, including on the site of a closed uranium mine, prompted protests by local people who fear the project poses a threat to the environment and their health.
Euromax Services plans included investments of 100 million levs ($57.3 million/51.1 million euro) in the project, according to local media.
Source: Seenews
