INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
Mining Between Heritage and Future: Economic, Social, and Environmental Perspectives

Belgrade, Institute of Economic Sciences, 13-14 November 2025

Deadline for abstract submission: 15 June 2025

Mining, as a key pillar of global industry, has far-reaching economic and ecological implications, which are especially evident at the local level. In Serbia and the broader region, mining traditions have shaped economic and political trajectories throughout history. Today, challenges such as sustainable development and energy transition raise new questions about the role of mining within social, economic, and political frameworks.

The international conference Mining Between Heritage and Future aims to examine the history of mining in Serbia and the wider region through a multidisciplinary lens, integrating political, economic, social, technological, and ecological narratives. It brings together experts in history, economics, sociology, ecology, engineering, anthropology, cultural and media studies, and related fields, thereby facilitating an interdisciplinary reflection on mining policies and their consequences. The chronological scope spans the development of mining activities from the medieval period to the present day, with special emphasis on pivotal moments such as the emergence of the modern state in the nineteenth century, twentieth‑century industrialization, and contemporary challenges posed by globalization and the green transition.

Key research questions include:

• How have mining resources influenced the economic development and political dynamics of Serbia and the region?
• Have mining projects promoted modernization, or deepened economic dependency?
• What have been the economic, social, and environmental impacts of mining on local communities?
• How can degrowth theories and post-extractivist perspectives contribute to rethinking alternatives to current models of the mining industry?

Abstract submission deadline: 15 June 2025. Proposals should be sent to: deit@ien.bg.ac.rs

The working languages of the conference are Serbian (and other mutually intelligible regional languages) and English. Presentations are limited to 15 minutes. In addition to empirical research, theoretical contributions addressing the core theme are welcome. The final list of participants will be published on 30 June 2025.

Details: pdf