ISSN 2411-958X (Print) ISSN 2411-4138 (Online) European Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies September-December 2017 Volume 3, Issue 4 35 Environmental Impacts Assessment of Chromium Minings in Bulqiza Area, Albania Elizabeta Susaj Enkelejda Kucaj Erald Laçi Department of Environment, Faculty of Urban Planning and Environment Management (FUPEM), University POLIS, Tirana, Albania Lush Susaj Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania Abstract Bulqiza District is the largest chromium source, ranked fourth in the world for chrome reserves. It lays in the north-eastern part of Albania, 330-1800 m a.s.l, with 728 km² area, between 41 o 30’43.1N and 20 o 14’56.21E. There are 136 entities with chromium extraction activity and around the city of Bulqiza (2.6 km² and 13000 inhabitants), there are 33 entities. The aim of the study was the identification of the environmental state and environmental impact assessment of chromium extraction (chromite mining) and giving recommendations to minimize the negative effects of this activity. Field observations, questionnaires, chemical analysis of soil and water, meetings and interviews with central and local institutions as well as with residents were used for the realization of the study. The obtained results showed that chromium extraction causes numerous irreversible degradation of the environment in the Bulqiza area, such as the destruction of surface land layers and erosion, destruction of flora and fauna, soil and water pollution, health problems, unsustainable use and reduction of chromium reserves, etc. The inert waste that emerges after the chromium partition is discharged to the earth surface without any regularity, covering the surface of the soil and flora, leading to irreversible degradation of the environment. Most of the mining entities do not respect the contracts and environmental permit issued by the Ministry of Energy and Industry (MEI). Keywords: Bulqiza, chromium, environmental impact assessment (EIA), environmental state. Introduction Albania is distinguished as a rich country for its mineral resources. Most of them have been discovered and exploited from ancient times up to date. Chrome, copper, iron-nickel and coal, are some of the minerals mined and treated in Albania. According to the MEI (2017), mining industry development in Albania has passed through three main stages: The first stage includes the period up to the end of World War II, marked by two important events. In 1922, has been compiled the first Geological Map of Albania, which was even the first of its kind in the Balkans. In 1929 has been approved the first Mining Law of the Albanian Kingdom, which paved the way to the exploration and/or exploitation of mineral resources in Albania; The second stage (1944-1994), marks the period when the mining activity has been organized in state-owned enterprises and the concept of mining privatization did not exist. The third stage includes the period 1994 up to date. It began the mining’s privatization and licensing process, after the approval of Albanian Mining Law. Up to February 5 th 2016, there were issued 752 mining permits out of which were 673 exploitation permits, mostly in Bulqiza, Kruja, Berat, Tirana and Librazhdi districts. Out of 673 exploitation mining permits: 211 permits for chrome ore, from which, only in Bulqiza District there were issued 136 permits (MEI, 2017). The privatization process continued with the approval of the Law “On Concessions”, and giving by concession of certain parts of mining industry (of this branch). The mining objects given in concession so far, are Bulqiza chromium mine and ferrochrome smelters of Burrel and Elbasan, chromium mines in Kalimash, Kalimashi dressing plant, etc (MEI, 2017). Albania is well known for its high potential in chromium ore, comparing to other Mediterranean and Balkans countries. The main chromium deposits are located in the Ophiolites of the Eastern Belt area, to Tropoja-Kukës- Bulqiza-Shebenik-Pogradec direction. Bulqiza Ultrabasic Massif is the biggest chrome-potential massif, ranked fourth in the world for chrome reserves. This is a rare mine in its kind and has good quantitative and qualitative features (Cr2O3