Mondal industrija cement factory faces pollution disputes in Montenegro

The Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Development maintains that the Mondal industrija cement factory in Podglavice, near Spuž, operates with all valid environmental permits. According to the Ministry, inspections conducted across all four seasons last year showed that air quality and noise levels did not exceed legal limits, specifically noting that PM10 particulate matter levels remained below the 50 µg/m3 threshold.

Local residents, representing approximately 140 people, dispute these findings, alleging years of inadequate oversight. Critics argue that PM particulate monitoring devices have been incorrectly positioned for eight years and that certain parts of the facility were constructed without proper documentation. They also claim there is a lack of adequate soil monitoring.

The facility is located within the third protection zone of the Rijeka Zeta Nature Park. The Ministry noted that the industrial complex has existed at this location for decades, predating the 2019 designation of the protected area. The Turkish company Mondal industrija took over the site in 2017, with cement and powder material production active since 2018.