Cabinet expected to vote on mining limits in North Bohemia on Monday

The Czech cabinet is set make a long-awaited decision on the future of mining limits in North Bohemia at a session in regional centre Ústí nad Labem on Monday, the Czech News Agency reported. It said ministers would were likely between two options, both of which envisage doing away with limits at the Bílina mine. Opponents and supporters of the move are expected to demonstrate outside the cabinet meeting. Doctors, scientists and other concerned persons have written to Prime Minister Bohuslav Sobotka warning that the change could harm the environment and the health of local communities; those in favour say it will be good for employment in the region. Restrictions on mining in the area have been in place since 1991.

Author: Ian Willoughby