RESIDENTS OF SOČKOVAC OPPOSE GEOLOGICAL EXPLORATION

PETROVO, MAY 17 /SRNA/ - Residents of Sočkovac in the municipality of Petrovo voted today in a referendum against geological exploration in this local community on Mount Ozren.

The Municipal Election Commission stated that 97.9 percent voted against geological exploration. Citizens of the local community of Sočkovac were asked the referendum question: “Are you in favor of conducting geological exploration in the area of the local community of Sočkovac?” A total of 757 residents of Sočkovac were eligible to vote. Earlier today, the mayor of Petrovo, Ozren Petković, said he was convinced that all higher levels of government must respect the voice of the people. The company “Likos Balkan Metals” from Bijeljina recently informed the Mayor of Petrovo, Ozren Petković, in writing that it will begin detailed geological exploration on May 22 for the presence of lead, zinc, copper, silver, gold, and associated metal deposits in the “Petrovo” exploration area. Environmental associations from the area have called on citizens through social media to gather in large numbers on May 22 at the site designated for the geological exploration works.