Scholarly record

UNDERGROUND COAL MINE SUBSIDENCE IMPACTS ON ENVIRONMENT. CASE STUDY BISTRIK SWAMP, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Indira Sijercic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rejhana Dervisevic, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hamo Isakovic, Assist. Mr. Dzenana Haracic

Abstract

Kakanj is located in the center of Sarajevo-Zenica basin in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Coal mining began in the mid 19th century. Several underground mines in the area of Trstionica started operating after the end of World War II. Subsidence caused by underground mining are almost always localized on the surface above the underground area with a zone of influence within the area of the mine. Vertical subsidence could cause significant problems and economic losses, but also the positive effects on the environment, as in the case of forming swamp Bistrik, occurred over the mining area of the pit named Haljini?i. There are three water bodies formed in this area. The largest onecovers an area of 200x50 m, while the other two ones are smaller and waterless during summer time. Marshes provide a habitat for many species of plants, animals, and insects that have adapted to living in flooded conditions. Swamp Bistrik is on the Adriatic Flyway and it is an important place as Stop Over Site in Bosnia and Herzegovina for 250 million European and Asian migratory birds. Swamp Bistrik is under the process of declaration as Category IV (Habitat/Species Management Area) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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