Living History Project interview with Ahmed Likic

Interview with Ahmed Likic an entrepreneur from Vares.

I would like to thank you for your time and for agreeing to speak for Eastern Mining newsletter about your experience and employment, this is part of our Living History project.

First of all, could you tell us a little more about yourself?

My name is Ahmed Likic, I was born on April 3, 1972 at Stupni Do. I grew up in Vares where I finished primary and secondary school. I am currently employed in Vares as a private entrepreneur.

What was your first job?

My first job was at Energoinvest Lead, zinc and barite mine as a signalman at the tailings pond. After that I was an assistant on the drill.

What did you like most about your job?

It was my first work experience and gave me a sense of independence. When I started working, I was less than 18 years old. The feeling of independence that allowed me to afford things of my own is what I liked the most.

Are you familiar with the work of the lead, zinc and barite Mine in the Vares municipality?

Yes, I certainly am because I worked there.

Did any of your family members or relatives work in the mine?

My father worked there since the opening of the mine.

When you look at life then and now, in ​​the area of the municipality of Vares, can you make a comparison?

The first thing I would state is that the population has really reduced in Vares, a lot of people have unfortunately moved away. It is very difficult to define and make a comparison to then and now. For someone, it used to be better, and for me personally it is better now because today I have many more opportunities than before.

How did Vares look like at the peak of its power at a time when the lead, zinc and barite mine was operating?

Back then, people worked a lot more than now, probably because of the possibility of employment in different companies such as: Iron mine, Ironworks, Spare parts factory, etc.

When the mine and the ironworks were operating, was sufficient attention paid to environmental protection and compliance with the laws of the area at the time?

Certainly not because the protection of the environment was not considered at the time and the law was not respected. I witnessed the conditions in which the mine was operated and the condition of the environment in this area.

Do you have any message for youth who are just starting to build their careers?

I would tell all young people to choose a goal in life and to go towards that goal step by step, setting new and bigger ones at the same time. That is the only guarantee of success.

Thank you for your time with the hope that this cooperation will continue and improve!

Thank you for inviting me and for giving me the opportunity to say something about myself.