Malka Golaja Mining halts operations near Zaječar, Serbia

Operations at the Malka Golaja mining site near Zaječar, Serbia, have abruptly ceased, with heavy machinery, trucks, and workers reportedly disappearing from the location within a few days. The site is managed by Malka Golaja Mining, a company linked to the Chinese firm Zijin Mining.

The sudden halt has raised questions among local activists and officials regarding whether the exploration phase has concluded or if the stoppage is temporary. Local opposition council members recently visited the site and filed criminal reports, alleging that the scale of work and the presence of equipment exceeded the scope of the company’s existing permits.

In June, the Republic Forestry and Hunting Inspectorate ordered an immediate work stoppage at the site following the discovery of illegal logging involving more than 11 hectares of forest. Long-term plans for the area include the development of new copper and gold mines by Zijin, with infrastructure projects potentially extending to 2050.