As of June 15, uranium mining in Slovakia will be only be possible if the inhabitants of the affected municipalities allow it in a referendum, according to an amendment to the Geological Act which was approved by Parliament on Tuesday.
Environment Minister Peter Žiga (Smer-SD) recalled that local citizens have already had the right of veto in geological exploration approval since 2010. However, this doesn't apply to the uranium mine in Jahodná near Košice, where an exploration permit was issued back in 2005. The permit is valid until April 2015. Any company interested in mining will have to ask the six affected municipalities to hold a referendum. “Only on the basis of a positive result in the referendum will the company be able to proceed under the Mining Act with its application for mining authorisation”, explained Žiga.
