Vareš environmental groups obtain chromium mine documentation

Environmental organizations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, including UG ‘Fojničani’ Maglaj, Aarhus Center, and ‘Opstanak’ from Vareš, have obtained complete documentation regarding the chromium mine concession and planned geological research in the Tribije–Duboštica area of the Vareš municipality.

Activists claim the documents were acquired through alternative means after authorities allegedly obstructed access to public interest information for years. The documentation includes concession agreements, decisions from federal and cantonal institutions, and contracts regarding usage rights on state forest land.

Following a Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina decision (case U-2/26), which challenged certain acts related to the management of state property in Vareš, legal teams plan to analyze the files for potential illegalities or abuses of authority. The organizations intend to pursue criminal charges if the analysis reveals evidence of criminal activity, specifically focusing on whether state forest land was managed without proper jurisdiction or in violation of legal procedures.