Potential utilization of mineral waters in the Prijedor area, Republic of Srpska

The area surrounding the city of Prijedor remains notable for coal extraction from the "Bukova Kosa-Prijedor" open-pit mine. The coal deposit is linked to Miocene sediments (M 1,2 stage) within the Palančište lake basin. Hydrochemical analyses of water samples from the broader vicinity of the mine have revealed elevated concentrations of sulfate ions and increased mineralization. These characteristics suggest potential for alternative uses of the water, such as bottling, balneological applications, and spa tourism, contingent upon prior land reclamation. While post-mining land is typically repurposed for agriculture, forestry, or artificial lakes, recent global trends show increasing interest in geotourism - visiting geologically and geographically significant sites, including former mines. This paper explores the potential for developing spa tourism on the reclaimed land of the current open-pit mine, aligning with sustainable and innovative land-use practices.