Ozren Mountain residents protest against new mining research

Residents of Sočkovac, Karanovac, Kakmuž, and Petrovo gathered in Sočkovac to protest planned geological research and the opening of mines on Ozren Mountain. The protest received support from local clergy, the abbot of the Saint Nicholas Monastery, and the head of the Petrovo municipality, Ozren Petković.

Petković stated he learned of the new research through social media and expressed solidarity with citizens opposing mining. Protesters directed messages to officials, including Milorad Dodik and Sava Minić, asserting that “Ozren is not for sale.”

Slobodan Šarić, President of the Sočkovac Local Community, revealed that the Belgrade-based company ‘Belator’ d.o.o. and its subsidiary ‘Belator B’ from Bijeljina leased approximately 18 dunams of land for six years under a contract signed on October 5, 2026. Residents emphasized their opposition to activities threatening their villages and survival, noting that 98 percent of locals voted against mining in a referendum held in May.