Protests against expanding moldavite mining near České Budějovice

Local inhabitants, environmental associations and the municipal council of Ločenice near České Budějovice are against the expansion of moldavite mining in the area. A private company wants to build a new quarry on thirty hectares of land believed to be rich in moldavite. Locals have been signing a petition against the plan and the Czech Environmental Inspectorate also has reservations. The inspectorate has asked the company MAWE CK, which wants to expand its activities in the area, to commission a study which will, among other things, assess the impact of further mining on the landscape. Moldavites are bottle-green gemstones found almost exclusively in Czechia, with minor deposits in neighboring Germany and Austria.