The company Adriatic Metals from Great Britain officially opened the Rupice Mine at Tisovci near Vareš at the beginning of March. Zinc, silver, and lead ores will be mined here, and the investment is worth 450 million convertible marks. As emphasized during the opening ceremony, this largest investment in BiH since independence represents a turning point in the development of Vareš, but it is also a symbol of success and pride that marks the beginning of a bright future for the local community and the whole of BiH.
– It is the result of dedicated work, research, and investment in this important project. We believe that the opening of the Rupica Mine will bring new opportunities for our citizens, improve the local economy, and contribute to the prosperity of Bosnia and Herzegovina – it was emphasized on that occasion.
Mining Center
The beginning of the work was made official by the Prime Minister of FBiH, Nermin Nikšić, who said that this is a project that significantly affects the gross social product of the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He expressed his satisfaction that the federal and local authorities did everything to make the project come to life. Nikšić emphasized that hundreds of millions of investments and around 500 direct and indirect employees represent something that all authorities must stand behind in full capacity. He said that the opening of the mine represents an important message to future investors that BiH is a favorable and safe destination for large investments.
Sanela Karić, a member of the Supervisory Board of Adriatic Metals, said that this day represents much more than the very beginning of the Rupica Mine, its contribution to the increase of the gross national product, the creation of new jobs and the return of BiH to the world map of the mining industry.
– Bosnia and Herzegovina got the most modern mine in Europe, and one of the best in the world. I proudly point out that this is the rebirth of BiH’s industrial heritage. As a proud Bosnian with immense love for beautiful Herzegovina, I dream of a day that will be a sign of the common future that comes with this project. This company and this mine showed the world that our country is a good host for foreign investments. Our industrial past is very well known to everyone. 40 years ago, Vareš was home to the best and most competent engineers, geologists, and metallurgists in Europe. I feel enormous pride watching the achievements of this project, because I know what it can provide for our future. The greatest success is not only reflected in the boom of mining, but also in the preservation of knowledge, skills and abilities that once made this country recognized – said Karić.
According to her, although prosperity was made possible by foreign investment, the biggest burden was still borne by young Bosnians and Herzegovinians, people from Vareš, Zenica, Kakanj, Breza and other cities of BiH who are taking on the challenge of this industrial revival.
– I have to mention one name in particular. The name of a visionary from a distant continent, who brought his ideals and values through this project and selflessly shared them with us – Paul Cronin, general manager of Adriatic Metals BiH. His vision is a vision of modern, sustainable mining based on shared prosperity. It is a vision of applying development capabilities, expanding the domestic supply chain, and providing opportunities for domestic suppliers to improve their products and services, and become more competitive and conquer new markets – said Karić.
After the ceremony in Tisovci, the celebration of this great day continued in the center of Vareš, at the first Vareš Fest, which was organized by the Municipality of Vareš and under the auspices of Adriatic Metals BiH. Cultural and artistic societies, local producers and associations participated in the Fest, with lots of music, great food, fun and good mood.
Zdravko Marošević, Mayor of Vareš, told Visit BiH magazine that this day in Vareš cannot be compared to anything else.
– We organized this event to beautify the opening ceremony of the Mine, which is extremely important for Bosnia and Herzegovina, and immeasurable for Vareš. Small producers from Vareš are recognized everywhere in BiH, they cooperate with others and show Vareš in the proper light – he said.
We saw for ourselves how important the opening of the Mine is for Vareš, and the visitors and exhibitors did not hide their enthusiasm. Enes Enko Kruezi has lived in Vareš for more than 60 years and, as we have seen, is a well-known face. He says that he hasn’t seen a more beautiful picture of his hometown in a long time.
– Maybe it doesn’t look enchanting to you, but it is to us. Look at this beauty, look at these smiling faces of people. Hope is returning to this city, which was once the pride and center of mining, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina – he emphasized.
Empowerment of women
The Association of Women for Rural Development and Sustainable Return Zvijezda from Vareš presented agricultural products produced by women from several local communities of the Municipality of Vareš at the Fest. Adisa Likić, President of the Association, told Visit BiH that they bring together women who are engaged in agricultural production and are not employed but have the opportunity to produce something on their farms.
– The goal of the Association is the economic empowerment of women and they have been doing this for 11 years. We achieve this through various projects. We have a wide range of products, most often fruit and vegetable production and their processing. We also gather women victims of war, as well as those who do not have the opportunity to engage in agriculture. They are very creative, so they make clothes and everything they can do in their homes – she pointed out.
According to her, it is a special honor for them to participate in the Diplomatic Bazaar in Sarajevo, where they are recognized as one of the highest quality producers.
– Last year, for some reason, we could not get a place, but we were supported by the company Adriatic Metals BiH and we sold our products at their stand. And today’s Fest is being held with the great support of Adriatic Metals BiH, and of course we responded with our presence. I will tell you something from personal experience. My son returned from Austria, where he lived and worked. My heart is full. Believe me, revival is happening in Vareš. I hope it will continue like that – she said.
Alen Likić is the son of Miralem Likić, the owner of the craftsman-carpentry shop Lika from Vareš, which produces furniture, windows and doors made of solid wood, and at the Fest they presented their home-made products.
– With our presence at the Vareš Fest, we want to support the Adriatic Metals BiH company and thus thank them for the opening of the Mine, which will bring many good things to Vareš and its surroundings. Progress can be felt, there are many foreigners and there is optimism – he told us briefly.
Slobodan Đurić is from the village of Duboštica near Vareš. He returned to his estate in 1996 and rebuilt it with his own hands, with the help of good people. By chance, he found his uncle’s notebook, which recorded his grandmother’s 200-year-old recipes for the treatment of certain diseases. According to these recipes, and with the help of a professor who gave him the wind at his back, he made Bronhomed, which is already known and recognized outside the borders of Bosnia and Herzegovina. It was from this product that he moved on and founded a farm called Eko-farma.
– I can also thank my professors who gave me knowledge about medicinal plants and preparations based on apiphytes, that is, based on honey and herbs. I have been involved in production for 25 years. First it was food, and now this too – says Slobodan.
According to him, the arrival of Adriatic Metals is the stone from which the house is built.
– It’s nice to see so many people in Vareš and this means a lot to us all. There will be more people on the streets, in the pubs, the facades will be renovated, and I believe that they will also push us. Before you at my stand was the Ambassador of Great Britain to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Julian Reilly. He immediately asked me if I needed anything and how he could help. I don’t need almost anything, just a little push, so that we don’t fall – said Slobodan.
Adis Bašić, president of the Association of Beekeepers Polen from Vareš, said that they exhibited their products to support the Adriatic Metals BiH company and the opening of the Rupica Mine, and to show everyone that they know how to be beekeepers successfully, as well as how to do mining.
– This really means a lot to us. We are here to present our products and tell everyone that this year we will complete the branding of Medljikovac honey from Vareš, which is made from conifers grown in the Vareš municipality. When we get that certificate, we will go towards the European Union. And in order to achieve that, we have to increase honey production, because there is no benefit from the certificate if we don’t have enough honey – said Bašić.
According to him, honey from Vareš is specific because it is produced in mountainous areas full of coniferous and coniferous forests and is rich in iron and other minerals. It is excellent for the lungs and bronchi. As he said, the quality is also proven by the analyzes that are done every year at the University of Mostar.
