Environment
01 Land
02 Water
03 Air
04 Biodiversity
05 Waste
We aim to demonstrate that responsible, sustainable mineral resource development is possible in Serbia so that people and nature are protected and nearby communities benefit.
The Valjevo region is rich in natural beauty, and we are committed to preserving it.
We are planning a project that uses safe, non-hazardous, well-established underground and mineral processing technology while applying the highest environmental standards and modern equipment.
By strictly complying with stringent regulations in accordance with Canadian and international standards, both in mining and in processing, we are committed to ensuring safety for people and the environment.
We do not only intend to protect the environment; we seek to improve it. Our approach uses tailings from ore processing to backfill and remediate unused coal pits in the region, followed by revegetation and reforestation, which would tangibly improve environmental conditions.
We draw on experience from major international projects which our team has delivered measurable environmental improvements and protection, and we committed to to applying those same practices here.
Land
Land protection at the extraction site
The planned sodium borate operation is designed as an underground extraction project, with all resource exploitation activities taking place beneath the surface at a depth of approximately 275 metres.
The use of an advanced underground mining method with backfilling (“cut and fill”) prevents any ground subsidence and allows any activities at surface to normally continue without disturbance.
The visible surface footprint of the operation would cover less than 10 hectares, thereby minimizing land disturbance and preserving existing land uses, including agriculture and other activities important to the local community.
Land protection at the ore processing facility site
The ore processing facility is planned for a designated industrial zone adjacent to one of the inactive open pits areas, approximately 30 km away from the mining site). The ore would be transported there by existing rail infrastructure.
This approach avoids the use of any agricultural land and provides a sustainable new purpose for an already designated industrial area. The facility would be located near existing infrastructure (rail lines and roads) and away from any population center.
The ore processing facility will use proven, safe technology that has been applied for more than 100 years, without use toxic reagents, resulting in non-hazardous tailings.
After completion of operations, the area would be remediated and rehabilitated, contributing to long-term land improvement, in accordance with international best practice.
Water
Protection of groundwater at the deposit site
Following the completion of exploration activities, all boreholes are permanently sealed with inert materials, preserving the natural integrity of groundwater resources.
Underground mining operations would take place deep below the surface where aquifers do not exist, avoiding any impact near-surface aquifers.
Protection of surface and groundwater at the extraction site
The underground exploitation water management system allows for the safe collection, transport, and treatment of any water which encounters the operation. Protective surface design furthermore prevents water ingress.
In accordance with international best practice, a water treatment facility will be constructed at surface near the ore transport facilities to ensure any water which comes in contact with the underground operation and activities at surface is treated and available for safe reuse.
Protection of surface and groundwater at the ore processing facility site
Ore processing is conducted in an entirely closed-loop system. Process water is treated and reused in the ore processing operation, supporting resource efficiency and preserving local water quality.
Air
Air protection at the extraction site
The underground mining method significantly reduces emissions of dust and gases.
Storage and surface transport of ore are carried out in enclosed and covered systems, preventing dispersion of particulate matter into the air.
Air protection at the ore processing facility site
Sodium borate processing does not involve combustion processes or hazardous chemical substances.
Air filtration systems are planned to ensure small particulate matter does not enter the atmosphere.
Any air emissions are subject to continuous monitoring in accordance with applicable regulations and international standards.
Biodiversity
Biodiversity protection at the extraction site
Minimal surface land use and the underground design of mining activities support the preservation of plant and animal species and avoidance of disruption of natural habitats in the vicinity of the mine.
Biodiversity protection at the ore processing facility site
The selection of a previously degraded site avoids impact on natural ecosystems.
Biodiversity protection at the tailings disposal site
Remediation and revegetation of inactive open pit areas would enable the return of plant and animal life to areas degraded for decades, contributing to long-term biodiversity improvement.
Waste
Waste management at the ore processing facility site
The ore processing operation does not generate hazardous waste.
All by-products are controlled, and tailings are reused for remediation purposes, applying circular economy principles.
Waste management at the tailings disposal site
As tailings are used as backfill material for reclamation of inactive open pits, no new waste disposal facilities are required.
This approach reduces the overall environmental footprint of the project and contributes to environmental improvement of the inactive coal pit area.