SDSM councilors oppose mining expansion in eastern Macedonia

SDSM councilors from eastern Macedonia are protesting the government's new draft spatial planning plan, which proposes mining expansion in the region. Vesna Ristovska, coordinator of the SDSM council group in Probištip, stated that the plan poses significant threats to public health, agriculture, and the environment.

Key concerns include the planned mine in the Kadiica mountain range, located within the protected Maleshevo area, which contains endemic plant species. Critics argue the plan lacks clear mapping regarding the overlap of mining zones with water sources, agricultural land, and tourist sites. Additionally, the proposed metal mine at Plavica is cited as a risk for long-term ecological catastrophe, including the potential pollution of surface and groundwater.

The councilors also warned of social consequences, noting that the spatial plan predicts Probištip municipality could lose 29.4% of its population by 2040, potentially leading to social collapse and mass emigration. The plan also highlights the need for urgent reclamation of existing tailings from the Zletovo mine.