Antwerp (The Brussels morning Newspaper): Value Trading, a gold refinery in Antwerp’s Jewish quarter, will permanently close next week amid health concerns linked to heavy metal emissions. Residents have protested, citing increased cancer rates, leading to this decision, despite the company’s denials and mixed study results.
Value Trading, a gold refinery located in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp, will permanently close next week due to ongoing health and environmental concerns. Local residents have claimed that the refinery is linked to increased cancer cases in the area, arguing that the heavy metals released during the gold processing contribute to these health issues. While Value Trading has denied any connection, studies on the matter have shown mixed results. Despite the economic benefits the refinery may provide, residents have protested for its closure, emphasizing that health and environmental safety are more important. Their persistent efforts have led to the decision to shut down the refinery, although the specific reasons for this closure remain unclear.
Why is value trading, a gold refinery in Antwerp, permanently closing?
Two years ago, Zuhal Demir, the Minister of Environment from the N-VA party, chose not to renew the environmental permit for Value Trading, the gold refinery in the Jewish quarter of Antwerp. She made this decision because she was worried about the company’s application and the screening note, which were not clear enough about how much heavy metals were being released. Minister Demir criticized the gold refinery’s application because it didn’t provide an estimate of the heavy metals released into the air. She highlighted the importance of having accurate and complete data on emissions to protect the environment and public health. Without this crucial information, it would be impossible to assess the refinery’s environmental impact properly and grant a new permit. Her refusal to extend the permit emphasized her commitment to strict environmental oversight and the need for transparency and accountability in evaluating industrial emissions and their potential effects on local communities.
The company tried to fight the decision not to renew their permit, but the court said no. Then, they took the minister to court but they have only been running at a very limited level since then. Now, they are closing down for good. Ilse Van Dienderen from the Groen party, who has been watching the case, feels relieved. She said there shouldn’t be a gold refinery near homes because it’s better for people’s health and the environment that it closes. She thinks it’s sad the company waited so long to close down and that they kept trying to extend their permit. It has been said that thanks to the neighbors who protested, the closure finally happened. What will happen to the building next isn’t decided yet, but it will likely be turned into apartments.
