...The lead mine in Olovo fully respects all legal regulations of Bosnia and Herzegovina and applies the highest standards in its work, especially in environmental protection.

We wish to emphasize that the activities of the Olovo Mine did not cause the turbidity of the Bioštica River that was recorded on May 11, 2024. After we were informed about a slight change in the colour of the river, an urgent check of all mining activities in the pit and on the surface was immediately carried out. No irregularities were observed – there was no subsidence of the ground, loss of technical water or other phenomena that would indicate an incident. Also, no accumulation of sludge or liquid was observed during the tour of the tailings site, which confirms that the dry disposal system was operating safely. A similar check was carried out in the underground facilities, where no changes in operation were found.

Although the findings showed that there was no disturbance in the operation of the mine, we immediately informed the competent state authorities about the turbidity and provided them with photo documentation. Based on an order of the Federal Water Inspector, monitoring of the state of the Bioštica river was introduced, with the obligation to report on any further changes. On the same evening, a new tour of the terrain was carried out and it was noted that the river had returned to its natural state at the mouth of the Stupčanica river. During the short-term turbidity, the water did not contain silt or solid particles - the change was reflected only in colour...

Claims that our company's projects in the vicinity of Bosilegrad, specifically in Karamanica, have a harmful impact on the environment are incorrect and unfounded. In all phases of our activity, our priority is to protect the natural environment: many protection measures are consistently implemented in accordance with the applicable laws of the Republic of Serbia.

According to the results of tests carried out by accredited institutions of the Republic of Serbia, all measured water and air quality parameters in the zone of mining activities are within the permissible limits. They do not even deviate from the reference values established during the “zero state” analysis that was carried out before the pilot plant began operation.

This is confirmed by an independent study by the Novi Sad Institute for Occupational Safety, which clearly shows that in the case of the project in Podvirovi, all parameters of the Karamanica watercourse are in accordance with applicable regulations and standards...