Mining-Scapes of Participation in Serbian Extractive Regions: Enhancing Participatory Processes in Decision-Making

Abstract

Extractive regions are among the most visible frontlines of the Anthropocene as they are areas where the environmental and social consequences of intensive resource exploitation are concentrated. In Serbia, mining areas such as Bor and Majdanpek represent complex socio-spatial assemblages in which everyday life, work, and governance intersect under pressures of neoliberal development and ecological degradation. This study aims to identify the challenges and opportunities for citizen participation in mining regions, providing guidance on enhancing participatory processes in decision-making. To operationalise this aim, the study pursues three objectives: (1) to assess residents’ awareness, participation practices, access to information, and motivation to engage in planning; (2) to identify perceived barriers and opportunities for participation; and (3) to formulate recommendations for improving participatory and communication processes in extractive-region governance. Accordingly, the research is guided by the main question: How do residents of the Bor–Majdanpek mining region perceive opportunities and barriers to public participation in planning and decision-making processes? To address this question, a face-to-face field survey was conducted in the summer of 2024 with a random sample of residents (N = 300). In this mixed-methods exploratory study, primary survey data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. In contrast, open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively to capture respondents’ detailed perceptions and suggestions. Findings indicate limited awareness of planning procedures, low participation experience, and structural barriers related to information access, trust, and institutional responsiveness. At the same time, respondents show a strong interest in more transparent, accessible, and dialogic forms of engagement. This study demonstrates that citizen participation in extractive landscapes is not only a procedural requirement but a mechanism to strengthen democratic governance and rebuild trust. Insights from Bor–Majdanpek provide an evidence base for improving participatory practices in mining regions undergoing socio-environmental transformatio