Skopje, 15 August 2023 (MIA) — Activists from two environmental associations in Strumica have started collecting signatures for a petition asking the government to terminate the Ilovica-Shtuka mine concessions contracts.

Organized by Zdrava Kotlina and Eko Dolina, the "Give Your Signature against the Mine of Death" event gathered citizens on Monday evening to sign a petition against the mine that can lead to long-term damage to the Strumica basin and the entire flora and fauna on the territory, they said.

"The two concessions agreements should be immediately terminated in accordance to the Law on Mineral Raw Materials," the activists said.

They also screened a documentary movie showing consequences from opening the mine.

The activists said they would continue collecting signatures across the Strumica region. ssh/mr