Land of extinct volcanoes. Residents protest against the construction of the mine
The land of extinct volcanoes It is an extraordinary region in a geological, natural and landscape, located in Lower Silesia, in the Kaczawskie Mountains and in the Kaczaw Foothills. Picturesque gorges, observation towers and vineyards stretching in the areas between Legnica, Jawor, Bolków, Wlen and Złotoryja attract lovers of beautiful landscapes and carefree wandering. However, this is not the end.
Geopark Land
In an area of approximately 1300 km, many rare species of plants and animals live, such as: orchidsWawrzynki Wilczełyko, Eagle, Edder or butterflies Ariony Model. This region is also rich in various minerals (e.g. agates, amethists, mountain crystals, topazes and tourmalines) and rock formations (including basalts and diabazy), testifying to the former volcanic activity in this area.
The geological values of the land of extinct volcanoes meant that in 2024 it was entered on the list of UNESCO global geopars. In Poland, only two other areas were appreciated in this way – Geopark Mużakowa Arch in the Lubuskie Voivodeship (in 2015) and Geopark Świętokrzyski, located in the city of Kielce and four neighboring municipalities (in 2021).
A shadow appeared above the land of extinct volcanoes. The French group Colas, specializing in the field of design, construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure, wants to launch near the towns of Dobków, Jurczyce and Muchów, in the heart of this geopark, the quarries of Metabazalt. Right next to them are Natura 2000 areas and the Chełma Landscape Park.
Colas has previously undertook to reclamation of the Wilcza Góra mine, which in September 2023 handed over to the authorities of the Złotoryja commune and which became part of the geopark of the land of expired volcanoes. However, the launch of the quarry near Jurczyce, however, raises controversy and causes opposition from local residents and ecological organizations.
Residents protest against the mine in the Geopark. « Someone makes us a dump »
Opponents of the construction of the mine in the land of extinct volcanoes argue that the investment may permanently destroy the landscape and the ecosystems and the water system existing there. Residents are also afraid of seismic shocks, noise and air pollution resulting from the activities of the quarry and the transport of excavated stone.
– We want to live in peace. We have created this place, now someone comes and makes us a dump, quarry. Are we as people not taken into account? She said Onet Bogumiła Rudnicka, a resident of Dobków.
Although Colas promises to minimize the negative impact on the environment (including by transporting spoil by rail), the inhabitants remain skeptical. In order for their voice to be heard, they collect signatures under petition and organize demonstrations against investment.
One such protest was to take place on Wednesday, April 30 on the market in Świerzawa (Złotoryjski poviat, Dolnośląskie Voivodeship). However, he was canceled due to the tragedy that took place the day before during the city council session.
The matter of quarry in the land of extinct volcanoes raises a lot of emotions. During the session of the City Council there was a tragedy
According to local media, during the session of the City Council in Świerzawa, which took place on Tuesday, April 29, there was a turbulent discussion about construction mine In the land of extinct volcanoes. During the talks, one of the participants suddenly lost consciousness. Despite resuscitation, the man could not be saved.
« Due to the tragic accident in Świerzawa, we cancel tomorrow’s demonstration » – they wrote in the post on the profile of the initiative « to the rescue – the land of extinct volcanoes » organizers of the protest, while submitting condolences to the family of the deceased.
Therefore, a meeting planned for Tuesday, May 6, was also dismissed, a meeting in Stara Kraśnica, during which residents were to meet with representatives of Colas.
Although these events will not take place, the topic of building a mine in the land of extinct volcanoes still remains current. Colas has submitted an application for a permit to open the quarry in the autumn of 2024 and now the ball is on the side of local authorities.
As the mayor of Świerzawa Paweł Kisowski assures, public consultations and an open administrative hearing are to be carried out before making a decision. However, before this happens, the company is to complement the investment impact report on the environment. According to officials, this document requires clarification.
(Source: Gorykaczawskie.pl, Media)
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Łukasz Woźnica / Newspix.pl
Wielisław organs. Former volcano.
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Woźnica Łukasz / Newspix.pl
The Grodziec Castle is a picturesque fortress located at the top of the extinct volcano. The Grodziec Hill is 389 meters high.
