Polish Village Fights Back: Basalt Mine Threatens Tourism

Protest Erupts in Dobków, Poland, Over Planned Basalt Mine A heated protest is underway in the Polish village of Dobków against the construction of a new basalt mine by a French company, COLAS Polska. Local business owners, primarily in the tourism sector, fear the mine will devastate their livelihoods. The video report from Teleexpress TVP shows residents expressing their concerns. "If this mess happens," one resident stated, "who will come to visit our beautiful village?" COLAS Polska representatives claim they can minimize dust pollution, planning only one blasting operation per week. However, the sheer volume of materials to be transported—millions of tons annually—remains a major concern for the protesters. The final decision rests with the mayor of Świerzawa, who is awaiting the environmental impact assessment from the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection. This situation highlights the conflict between economic development and environmental protection in rural communities.